A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced a father of 11 children, Isa Isiaka, to 20 years imprisonment for failing to disclose information about the activities of the terrorist group Boko Haram to the authorities.
Justice Binta Fatimah Nyako handed down the sentence on Monday after Isiaka pleaded guilty to terrorism-related charges filed against him by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.
When the charge was read in court, the defendant immediately admitted guilt, foregoing a full trial.
Counsel to the Federal Government, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), told the court that Isiaka deliberately concealed information that could have led to the prompt arrest of members of the proscribed Boko Haram sect.
In a plea for leniency, the convict urged the court to temper justice with mercy, noting that he was a first-time offender, a father of 11 children, and husband to two wives.
However, Justice Nyako dismissed the appeal, describing it as insufficient in view of the gravity of the offence.
The judge subsequently sentenced Isiaka to 20 years imprisonment without the option of a fine.
