The Borno State High Court in Maiduguri, presided over by Justice Aisha Kumaliya, has sentenced Aisha Alkali Wakil, widely known as “Mama Boko Haram,” along with two co-defendants, Tahiru Saidu Daura and Prince Lawal Shoyode, to five years imprisonment each for defrauding a businessman of N6 million.
The conviction, delivered on Thursday, November 28, 2024, followed a protracted legal battle initiated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The trio, executives of the NGO Complete Care and Aid Foundation, were charged with conspiracy, cheating, and providing false information.
The EFCC’s charges stemmed from a fraudulent transaction in 2018.
The defendants, under the guise of executing a car purchase contract, dishonestly induced Alhaji Bukar Kachalla, a businessman, to provide a Toyota Camry 2012 model worth N6 million.
The car was neither purchased nor returned to the petitioner.
The defendants were initially arraigned in 2020 and pleaded not guilty to the charges.
During the trial, EFCC prosecutors Mukhtar Ali Ahmed and Shamsudeeb Olayinka Saka called three witnesses and presented several documents as exhibits to substantiate the allegations.
After reviewing the evidence, Justice Kumaliya found the defendants guilty of the charges.
Each was sentenced to five years imprisonment without the option of a fine.
The court further ordered the convicts to jointly restitute the outstanding balance of N3.5 million to the petitioner.
Failure to comply with the restitution order would result in an additional five years of imprisonment for each convict.
Aisha Wakil, once celebrated as a mediator in conflicts involving the terrorist group Boko Haram, gained national prominence for her humanitarian work and advocacy for peace in northern Nigeria.
Her involvement in this case has cast a shadow over her reputation, as her NGO’s activities were central to the fraudulent transaction.
The conviction sends a strong message about the judicial system’s commitment to combating financial crimes and holding individuals, including prominent figures, accountable.
The EFCC, in a statement, commended the court’s decision, emphasizing its dedication to pursuing justice for victims of fraud and economic sabotage.
Justice Kumaliya’s order for restitution underscores the court’s recognition of the need to compensate victims of financial crimes.
The directive for the convicts to refund N3.5 million reflects an effort to ensure justice beyond punitive measures.
The case has sparked widespread public discourse, with many hailing the judgment as a triumph for the rule of law.
However, some observers have expressed disappointment, citing concerns about the tarnished legacy of Aisha Wakil, who was once seen as a beacon of hope for peace in the region.
This judgment reinforces the principle that no individual is above the law, affirming the judiciary’s role in upholding justice and ensuring accountability in Nigeria.
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