Kabiru Sokoto Appeals 2013 Terrorism Conviction

Kabiru Sokoto, also known as Kabiru Umar, was convicted of terrorism-related offenses in December 2013 and sentenced to life imprisonment by Justice F. Ademola at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Sokoto's legal team, led by Don Akaegbu, filed a motion on May 13, 2026, seeking an extension of time to appeal the judgment. The motion cites several challenges, including prolonged incarceration, repeated transfers between custody facilities, and difficulties in accessing legal counsel.

Sokoto's health has reportedly deteriorated during his time in custody. His lawyers argue that the trial court incorrectly relied on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Act instead of the Terrorism Prevention Act for the conviction.

They maintain that Sokoto was not the mastermind behind the 2011 Christmas Day bombing at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Madalla, Niger State, and that the charges against him were based on insufficient evidence.

The appeal process is ongoing, with no hearing date yet set.