In a landmark ruling, Justice Aisha Kumaliya of the Borno State High Court in Maiduguri sentenced Aisha Alkali Wakil, widely known as “Mama Boko Haram,” and two of her associates to five years imprisonment each for their roles in a N6 million fraud case. The judgment, delivered on Thursday, November 28, 2024, marked the conclusion of a high-profile trial involving charges of conspiracy, cheating, and giving false information.
Wakil, the Chief Executive Officer of the Complete Care and Aid Foundation (an NGO), was convicted alongside the organization’s Programme Manager, Tahiru Saidu Daura, and Country Director, Prince Lawal Shoyode. The trio was re-arraigned on September 1, 2020, on a four-count amended charge brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
One of the charges stated that between October and November 2018, the defendants dishonestly induced Alhaji Bukar Kachalla of Abks Ventures Limited to deliver a Toyota Camry 2012 model valued at N6 million under the pretense of executing a contract. The vehicle was neither purchased nor returned, leading to accusations of fraud. The offense contravenes Section 320(a) of the Penal Code and is punishable under Section 322 of the same law.
Although the defendants pleaded not guilty, the EFCC prosecution team, led by Mukhtar Ali Ahmed and Shamsudeeb Olayinka Saka, presented three witnesses and submitted several documentary exhibits to substantiate the allegations. After reviewing the evidence, Justice Kumaliya found the defendants guilty and sentenced them to five years imprisonment each without the option of a fine.
The court further ordered the convicts to jointly restitute N3.5 million to the complainant, failing which they would serve an additional five years in prison.
The conviction underscores ongoing efforts by the EFCC to hold individuals accountable for financial crimes and promote transparency. For more updates, visit the EFCC website at www.efcc.gov.ng.
