‘Mama Boko Haram’ gets 7th conviction in three years, jailed in N11m fraud case

A high court in Maiduguri, Borno state, has sentenced Aisha Wakil, popularly known as ‘Mama Boko Haram’, to 14 years imprisonment over an N11 million contract fraud.

Wakil, who is the chief executive officer (CEO) of Complete Care and Aid Foundation, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), was convicted alongside Tahiru Daura, the organisation’s programme manager; and Lawal Shoyode, country director; by Aisha Kumaliya, presiding judge; on Wednesday. 

The defendants were arraigned on September 14, 2020 by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on a two-count charge bordering on conspiracy and obtaining by false pretence.

In count two, the defendants were accused of fraudulently obtaining the sum from one Muhammed Ambare under the false claim that they would supply, install, and service two X-Ray machines.

The prosecution alleged that the contract was fake and that the defendants knowingly deceived the victim to obtain the money, thereby committing an offence under the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read to them, prompting the matter to proceed to trial.

During the trial, the prosecution presented one witness and tendered several documents to the court.

Delivering judgment, Kumaliya held that the EFCC was able to prove its case.

She convicted and sentenced the defendants on both counts to seven years imprisonment each. The prison terms are to run concurrently.

The judge ordered the convicts to jointly and severally restitute the sum of N8 million to the petitioner or serve an additional seven years prison term.

In June 2022, a high court in Borno state sentenced ‘Mama Boko Haram’ to five years imprisonment over her involvement in a N71.4 million fraud.

Also, in August 2022, the high court sentenced her to seven years imprisonment for N66 million fraud, while in September of the same year, she was sentenced to seven years imprisonment over another N15 million fraud.