By Jerry Uwah
Lagos
Lagos yesterday recorded the first conviction of Boko Haram members as Justice Ibrahim Buba of a Federal High Court sentenced three members of the sect to 25 years imprisonment each, for acts of terrorism.
The convicts were the first three of 17 accused persons who were earlier charged before the court on Nov. 27, 2013.
The 17 accused were: Ali Mohammed, Adamu Karumi, Ibrahim Usman, Bala Haruna, Idris Ali, Mohammed Murtala, Kadiri Mohammed, Mustapha Daura, Abba Duguri, Sanni Adamu, Danjuma Yahaya, and Musa Audu.
Others were: Mati Daura, Farouk Haruna, Abdullahi Azeez, Ibrahim Bukar and Zula Diani.
The Lagos State Government had preferred an eight-count charge on the accused, bordering on acts of terrorism and possession of prohibited firearms and ammunition.
They were said to have been caught in possession of three packets of explosive construction pipes, 15 detonators, and 11 AK47 rifles with 30 rounds of live ammunitions.
Other items reported to have been found in their possession included 200 rounds of 7.6 millimeters live ammunition, two suitcases containing explosives, and a water container filled with explosives.
The offences were said to have contravened the provisions of Sections 13(2) and 17(b) of the Terrorism Act 2013.
Justice Buba however, delivered judgment in camera, as journalists, and other lawyers were ordered to vacate the courtroom, leaving the prosecution and defence counsels.
The attorney general of Lagos state, Mr Ade Ipaye, in response, said since the trial was conducted in secret, the judgment should also be delivered in secret as the judgment was also an inherent part of the proceeding.
In a bid to cover the proceedings, journalists had complained to the deputy chief registrar and administrative head of the court, Mr. Bello Okandeji about the restriction.
Okandeji then led journalists to the court but was restrained by security men at the door who told the DCR that they had specific instructions not to allow anyone into the courtroom at the moment.
After the court had risen, journalists also approached one of the lawyers who witnessed the judgment.
The source who pleaded anonymity told newsmen that although 17 of the accused had earlier been arraigned, the attorney-general had discontinued proceedings against 13 of them.
According to the source, the court had found the first three accused guilty of the offence as charged, and had accordingly sentenced them to 25 years imprisonment each.
