A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced 37-year-old Zakaria Garba to death by hanging for his role in the 2014 Nyanya Motor Park bombing, one of Nigeria’s deadliest terrorist attacks.

The explosion, which occurred at the busy motor park in Abuja, claimed the lives of more than 70 people and left many others with varying degrees of injuries.

Delivering judgment in the recently concluded Abuja mass terrorism trial, Justice James Omotosho convicted Garba after he pleaded guilty to all five counts brought against him by the Federal Government.

The case, filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice under charge number FHC/KNJ/CR/985/2026, resulted in multiple sentences. The court handed Garba 35 years imprisonment on counts one and two, life imprisonment on count three, and death sentences on counts four and five.

“May God have mercy on you,” Justice Omotosho said while pronouncing the sentence.

According to court records, Garba, a resident of Jambutu Park in Jimeta Local Government Area of Adamawa State, conspired with other suspects still at large to plan and coordinate the bombing of Nyanya Motor Park in 2014. The attack was carried out using explosive devices and resulted in the deaths of over 70 people, while several others sustained injuries.

The life sentence imposed on count three was for conspiracy to commit acts of terrorism, contrary to Section 17 of the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act, 2013.

On counts four and five, which attracted the death penalty, the court found that Garba and his accomplices intentionally detonated explosive devices at the motor park with the aim of causing death and serious bodily harm to members of the public. The attack led to numerous fatalities and injuries, offences punishable under Section 1(3) of the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act, 2013.

During investigations, Garba reportedly stated in his confessional statement that he previously earned a living selling tea and bread.

The court also delivered judgments in several other terrorism-related cases. Ali Mohammed received 25 years imprisonment on one count and 15 years on another. Isa Saleh was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment, while Tujan Mohammed also received a 20-year jail term.

In a separate case, Salisu Bala was convicted and sentenced to 20 years imprisonment on count two but was discharged and acquitted on counts one and three.

The trials, which are usually conducted in Kainji, Niger State, were moved to the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Speaking after the proceedings, Attorney-General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, reaffirmed the government's commitment to eliminating terrorism and ensuring the safety of Nigerians.

“We will fight with every inch of our blood to ensure that we make Nigeria a safe haven for everybody,” Fagbemi said.