Court Sentences Man to Death for 2014 Nyanya Bombing

The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced a 37-year-old man, Zakaria Garba, to death by hanging. This comes after his role in the 2014 bombing at the busy motor park in Nyanya, a crowded area between Abuja and Nasarawa State.

The bombing killed at least 70 people and injured many others.

Judge James Omotsoho delivered the verdict during the recent Abuja mass trial of suspected terrorists. He also gave Mr Garba a life sentence on one of the five charges against him.

Mr Garba was found guilty after he admitted to all five charges brought by the federal government.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the judgement was delivered on Tuesday in case number FHC/KNJ/CR/985/2026. This case was filed by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.

The judge sentenced Mr Garba to 35 years in prison for the first two counts. He received a life sentence for the third count and a death penalty for the fourth and fifth counts.

“May God have mercy on you,” the judge said to Mr Garba after announcing the death sentence.

NAN reports that in count three, which led to a life sentence, Mr Garba from Jambutu Park, Jimeta Local Government Area of Adamawa, and others who are still at large, were accused of committing the crimes in 2014 at Nyanya Motor Park, Abuja.

They allegedly conspired to carry out acts of terrorism by planning and executing the bombing at Nyanya Motor Park. This act used explosive devices and resulted in the deaths of over 70 people and injuries to many others.

This offence violates Section 17 of the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act 2013 and is punishable under the same section.

In count four, which also carries a death sentence, the terrorist, who claimed he used to sell tea and bread, was charged with causing the detonation of explosives at Nyanya Motor Park. This act aimed to cause death and serious harm to the public, which led to the deaths of over 70 people and injuries to several others.

This crime is punishable under Section 1(3) of the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act 2013.

Also, in count five, which also carries a death penalty, Mr Garba and others at large were accused of participating in an act of terrorism at Nyanya Motor Park in 2014. They detonated explosives that caused the deaths of over 70 people.

According to the charges, this act is also punishable under Section 1(3) of the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act 2013.