IG Commends Life Jail Sentence for Thisday Bomber

Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, has described the life jail term sentence passed on Mustapha Umar, bomber of Thisday Newspaper House as a remarkable victory against terrorism in Nigeria.

Abubakar’s reaction to the judgment is contained in a statement issued by CSP Frank Mba, the Force Public Relations Officer.

A Federal High Court in Abuja presided over by Justice Adetokunbo Ademola, on Friday sentenced Umar to life imprisonment with hard labour for acts of terrorism.


The convict masterminded the bombing of the newspaper house in Kaduna and Abuja simultaneously in April, 2012.

Abubakar said that the judgment stood out as a major conviction ever secured under the present Anti-Terrorism Laws 2011 as amended.

He commended Justice Ademola for setting an uncommon precedence and for being dispassionate and commendably courageous in delivering the judgment which he said would serve as a ``strong deterrent to such condemnable crime’’.

Abubakar also commended police personnel who investigated the case for their high level of diligence, commitment, uncompromising professionalism and sacrifice which led to the successful conclusion of the case.

He thanked the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation for the effective handling of the prosecution and the tremendous support and partnership with the police.

The IG noted that the conviction of Umar ``eloquently testifies to his administration’s commitment to the fight against terrorism.’’

He added that the feat would further embolden the police to redouble its effort in ensuring that success was achieved in the fight against terrorism.