By Sabiu Abdullahi
Aisha Alkali Wakil, also known as “Mama Boko Haram,” and two associates have been sentenced to 10 years in prison each for defrauding a businessman of N40 million.
The trio, convicted on charges of conspiracy and obtaining money by false pretences, received the harsh sentence from Justice Umaru Fadawu of the Borno State High Court in Maiduguri.
Wakil, alongside Tahiru Saidu Daura and Prince Lawal Soyade, were previously identified as the CEO, Programme Manager, and Country Director, respectively, of the Complete Care and Aid Foundation, an NGO.
According to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), they deceived Bashir Abubakar, CEO of Duty-Free Shop Ltd., into believing they would supply five x-ray machines with solar energy through a bogus contract.
The group allegedly pocketed the N40 million payment without ever delivering the promised equipment or returning the funds.
This action contravened Section 1(b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006, leading to their arrest and prosecution by the EFCC.
Despite pleading “not guilty,” evidence presented by the prosecution, including four witnesses and 17 exhibits, convinced the court of their guilt.
Justice Fadawu subsequently sentenced them to concurrent 10-year prison terms for both conspiracy and obtaining money by false pretenses.
Additionally, they were ordered to jointly and severally pay back the N40 million defrauded from Mr. Abubakar.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of financial fraud and the consequences it carries.
The lengthy sentences handed down to “Mama Boko Haram” and her accomplices send a strong message that such criminal activities will not be tolerated in Nigeria.
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