Aisha Wakil, widely known as “Mama Boko Haram,” has been sentenced to 15 years in prison by a Borno State High Court in Maiduguri. The conviction stems from her involvement in a N6 million car fraud case. Wakil, along with two accomplices—Tahiru Saidu Daura, the Programme Manager of her Complete Care and Aid Foundation, and Lawal Shoyode, the Foundation’s Country Director—was found guilty of obtaining a Toyota Camry 2012 model under false pretenses.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which prosecuted the case, disclosed the verdict on Monday. The trio faced four charges, including conspiracy, cheating, and providing false information. They were re-arraigned in September 2020 and pleaded not guilty, setting the stage for a protracted legal battle.
Court Proceedings
Justice Aisha Kumaliya presided over the case, during which the prosecution, represented by Mukhtar Ahmed and Shamsudeen Saka, called three witnesses and presented critical documentary evidence. After evaluating the evidence, the court ruled in favor of the prosecution, finding the defendants guilty on all counts.
Each defendant was sentenced to five years in prison, with the sentences running consecutively for a total of 15 years. Justice Kumaliya emphasized that no option of a fine would be provided, underscoring the severity of the offense.
Restitution Order
The court further mandated the defendants to pay N3.5 million in restitution to the petitioner. Failure to comply with this order would result in an additional five years of imprisonment for each defendant. This restitution is intended to partially compensate for the fraudulent transaction.
Background
Aisha Wakil earned the moniker “Mama Boko Haram” due to her self-proclaimed efforts to mediate between authorities and the Boko Haram insurgent group. Her involvement in this fraud case has sparked significant public interest, given her controversial reputation and previous humanitarian claims.
The verdict marks a significant development in Nigeria’s ongoing fight against fraud and corruption. It also serves as a reminder of the justice system’s role in holding individuals accountable, regardless of their public personas or affiliations.
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