A Borno State High Court in Maiduguri has sentenced Aisha Wakil, widely known as “Mama Boko Haram,” along with two associates, to five years imprisonment each for their involvement in a N6 million car fraud. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) reported that Wakil, alongside Tahiru Saidu Daura, the Programme Manager of her NGO, Complete Care and Aid Foundation, and the Country Director, Lawal Shoyode, were found guilty of fraudulently obtaining a 2012 Toyota Camry under false pretenses.
The defendants were re-arraigned in September 2020 on four counts, including conspiracy, cheating, and providing false information, to which they pleaded not guilty. However, after thorough court proceedings, Justice Aisha Kumaliya convicted them, sentencing each to five years in prison without the option of a fine. Additionally, the court mandated that the defendants pay N3.5 million in restitution to the petitioner. Failure to make this payment would result in an extra five-year imprisonment for each.
During the trial, the prosecution, led by Mukhtar Ahmed and Shamsudeeb Saka, presented three witnesses and submitted various documents as evidence. The court concluded that the defendants neither purchased nor returned the vehicle as agreed, leading to their conviction.
This case adds to a series of legal challenges faced by Aisha Wakil, who has been previously convicted on multiple fraud charges. Her notoriety as “Mama Boko Haram” stems from her self-proclaimed role as a mediator between the government and the Boko Haram insurgent group. However, her recent convictions have cast a shadow over her purported humanitarian efforts.
The EFCC’s successful prosecution in this case underscores its commitment to combating fraud and ensuring that individuals, regardless of their public personas, are held accountable for their actions. It also serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of integrity and transparency, especially among those who position themselves as intermediaries in conflict situations.
As this case demonstrates, the law remains steadfast in its pursuit of justice, reinforcing the principle that no one is above the law.
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