Can life imprisonment deter killer Boko-Haram terrorists?

…Nigerian clerics weigh in

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, recently sentenced four Boko Haram terrorists to life imprisonment after they pleaded guilty to charges brought by the Federal Government.

The four terrorists sentenced to life imprisonment are Ali Abiso, Bakura Kabiru, Ado (also known as Luka Garba), and Babagoni Masawai.

Justice Omotosho additionally convicted 14 other suspects, handing down prison terms ranging from 20 to 25 years on various counts.

Among them, Ali Mustapha received 20 years in count one and 10 years in each of counts two to seven, totaling 80 years, with the judge ordering that the sentences run concurrently following a plea for mercy.

Other convicts include Danbawa Salisu, Modu Ali, Sanda Bello, Mustapha Fali, Modu Musa, Bidal Modu, Mohammed Abdullahi, Umar Garba, Usman Ahmadu, Hussaini Bukar, Baba Manye, Musa Mai Modu, and Ali Musa.

The convicts were convicted on charges brought by the Federal Government, supported by evidence from the Department of State Services (DSS).

Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, attorney-general of the Federation and Minister of Justice, led the prosecution, highlighting that the maximum penalty for the charges is life imprisonment.

The convictions are part of the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen national security and prosecute terrorism cases.

While many welcomed the development, others are of the view that the terrorists should have been sentenced to death – hinging their argument of the age-long saying that “those that kill by the sword; die by the sword.”

They believe that life imprisonment is not punitive enough to pay for the lives the terrorists violently took away; adding that “If you are able to do the crime, you should be ready to do the time.”

Fagbemi represented the Federal Government and was supported by lawyers including Rotimi Oyedepo.

During the trial, a witness from the Department of State Services (DSS) gave evidence against the convicted Boko Haram terrorists. Confessional statements of the convicts and investigation reports were tendered through the DSS witness and admitted as evidence.

“Boko Haram, over the years, has been painted as people that are very vicious, very wicked, and murderous, from all the reports and from all the antecedents. So, our system should be able to take them out from society. So, life imprisonment is a way forward,” Taiwo Akinola, presiding bishop, Rhema Christian Church &Towers International, said.

Akinola also said that the life sentences handed down to the four Boko Haram terrorists was the way forward because people like that should be kept away from the society by the system. He added that even the Bible says those who are killed by the sword must fall by the sword.

“But I think generally, civilization has now said to us that we don’t have to kill people because you can’t kill the spirits. So, I think Boko Haram should also be grateful that the people who are arrested are not killed outright,” Akinola said.

Among those sentenced to life imprisonment is Ali Abiso, sentenced on counts two and four and 25 years each on counts one and three, with the judge directing that the sentences for counts one and three run concurrently.

Count four relates to his participation in Boko Haram attacks in Bama, Gwoza, Konduga, Bita, Baza, and Aulari on or before July 8, 2022, contrary to Section 17 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

Bakura Kabiru received life imprisonment in count two and 25 years in counts one and three. Ado, also known as Luka Garba, was sentenced to life imprisonment in count two and 25 years in count one.

Babagoni Masawai was sentenced to life imprisonment in counts six and seven, 20 years in counts one and two, and 10 years in counts three, four, and five.

“Nigeria is not working because some humans who behave like animals believe they are untouchable. Until we are firm to deter these reprobate minds, we are stuck,” said James Akinadewo, bishop of Lagos, Motailatu Church of God (C&S).

According To him, those that kill by the sword shall die by sword. Adding that, “Only Nigeria negotiates with terrorists. Reality is here; another General was killed yesterday.” (He made this known on Friday)

However, Chidi Anthony, national president, Christian Police Fellowship of Nigeria (CPFN), takes a slightly different approach, saying that life imprisonment may play a role, but might not be enough to deter terrorist groups like Boko Haram.

“The challenge with groups like Boko Haram is that they are not just made up of individuals committing crimes; they are driven by ideology, deep-rooted beliefs, and, in many cases, systemic issues like poverty, injustice, and lack of education,” Anthony said.

He added that while justice must be served and criminals held accountable, Nigerians must understand that the problem is deeper than punishment alone.

“You can imprison one person, but the ideology may still live on in others. In fact, some members are willing to die for their cause, which means the fear of imprisonment is not always a strong deterrent,” Anthony said.

Why churches must review security model

The incessant attacks on worshippers across the country have opened a new wave of security model for churches.

For many churches, it is no longer business as usual considering the level of attacks and killings of worshippers, and huge damage to church properties.

“In my opinion, I will say that faith is not foolishness. Trust in God does not mean ignoring danger, it means relying on Him while also walking in wisdom,” Anthony said.

According to him, the Church must remain strong, prayerful, and vigilant. “God is our protector, yes, but He also expects us to act responsibly. And above all, we must not allow fear to silence our faith or stop us from gathering but we must gather wisely,” he said.

Anthony argues that the Church must not rethink her security model out of fear, rather out of wisdom and responsibility. He added that faith must walk hand-in-hand with wisdom in ensuring safe spaces for all worshippers across the country.

“As shepherds over God’s people, we are called not only to feed the flock spiritually but also to protect them physically. The scripture says, “Be wise as serpents and harmless as doves” (Matthew 10:16).

“The reality today is that worship centres have become vulnerable targets because of their openness and predictability. Ignoring that reality would not be faith, it would be negligence,” Anthony said.

According to him, life is sacred, and every worshipper is precious before God. Hence, it is not wrong for churches to begin to adopt measures such as having trained security personnel, controlled entry points, collaboration with local authorities, and educating members on safety procedures.

However, Akinola argues that beyond rethinking the security model, the government must accept the responsibility to keep the society safe and sane. “And that’s why people pay tax. That’s why there is civil society in the first place.”

According to him, Nigerian worshippers must never forget that God is their guide and guard. Therefore, paying kin attention to physical security personnel might not be the ideal approach for the Church.

Is the time ripe for armed personnel within church premises?

The primary mission of the church is spiritual. However, the house of God is meant to be a place of peace, refuge, and worship.

Naturally, the idea of armed personnel within church premises can feel uncomfortable to many believers. But the worshippers cannot afford to ignore the current reality surrounding their place of worship.

“We are living in times where threats are real, and in some regions, churches have been directly targeted. In such situations, completely ignoring security needs would not be wise,” said Anthony, adding that the church must not be turned into a military environment.

According to him, engaging armed personnel should be a protective measure where necessary, especially in high-risk areas.

“The presence of trained and disciplined security personnel preferably working in collaboration with recognised security agencies can serve as a deterrent and provide quick response in emergencies,” he said.

Anthony added that the Bible teaches balance; hence while praying for protection, the Church must also take practical steps to safeguard lives. “If you lock your house at night, it does not mean you lack faith, it means you are acting wisely. In the same way, providing security in churches is not a sign of fear, but of stewardship.”

Akinola disclosed that there is nothing out of place if the Church engages armed security personnel to protect worshippers during service. According to him, such action will give some measure of confidence to people whose faiths are just growing.

“Just like in the Old Testament we read, the prophet said; open their eyes so that they will see that those who are with us are more than those who are against us. Therefore, before the eyes of the people open; they need to see uniformed people who they can see and feel secure,” Akinola said.

He equally challenged the government to live up to its primary responsibility of ensuring safety of life and property of worshippers.

“The government has the rule to protect people. But in a situation where that is not, I would not say churches should not hire legal or lawful agents like police, soldiers, or civil defense to guard the activity,” Akinola said.

Although commendation has continued to trail the sentencing of the terrorists, many Nigerians are saying that a more punitive measures must be adopted to deter such elements from thinking they can do anything and get away with it.

Some Nigerians have also advocated that there was no need to even parade them in court once they are caught.

“For me, they are being unnecessarily celebrated. They should be sent to their maker as soon as they are caught. It does not make sense to send to prison a terrorist who wiped off a family in his moment of madness. Well, the law is an ass,” a citizen, who pleaded anonymity, said.

The citizen also warned the authorities to ensure that the jailed terrorists are properly kept to avoid jail break.

“You know, the federal government must ensure that there is no jailbreak wherever these convicts are kept. We do not want to hear that one day there has been a jailbreak by these terrorists under any collusion whatever,” he further said.