A Borno State High Court has sentenced Aisha Alkali Wakil, widely known as “Mama Boko Haram,” alongside two associates to five years imprisonment each for a fraudulent scheme involving a Toyota Camry worth N6 million.
Justice Aisha Kumaliya delivered the verdict on November 28, 2024, convicting Wakil, the CEO of Complete Care and Aid Foundation, alongside the NGO’s Programme Manager, Tahiru Saidu Daura, and Country Director, Prince Lawal Shoyode.
The trio was found guilty of defrauding a petitioner, Alhaji Bukar Kachalla of ABKS Ventures Limited, by misleading him into handing over the vehicle under the pretense of purchasing it. Despite receiving the car, the accused neither made the promised purchase nor returned the vehicle, leaving Kachalla out of pocket by N6 million.
The crime dates back to late 2018, when the defendants allegedly induced Kachalla to transfer ownership of the Toyota Camry 2012 model to them. They claimed that they were executing a contract for its purchase but instead kept the vehicle without compensation.
The case was brought to court after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) investigated the matter, and the defendants were re-arraigned on September 1, 2020. They faced four amended charges, including conspiracy, cheating, and providing false information.
The charges, particularly the second count, stated:
“That you, Aisha Alkali Wakil, Tahiru Saidu Daura, and Prince Lawal Shoyode, whilst being Chief Executive Officer, Programme Manager, and Country Director respectively of Complete Care and Aid Foundation, sometime between October and November 2018 at Maiduguri, dishonestly induced one Alhaji Bukar Kachalla of ABKS Ventures Limited to deliver to you a Toyota Camry 2012 Model worth N6,000,000.00 under the guise of executing a contract for the purchase of the said car.”
Throughout the trial, the defendants pleaded not guilty. Their defense, however, did not sway the court, which was presented with compelling evidence by the prosecution. The EFCC’s legal team, led by Mukhtar Ali Ahmed and Shamsudeeb Olayinka Saka, presented three key witnesses and submitted multiple documents to solidify their case.
In her ruling, Justice Kumaliya stated that the evidence was clear and convincing. She sentenced the convicts to five years imprisonment each without an option of fine. Additionally, the court ordered the convicts to jointly and severally return the remaining N3.5 million balance to the petitioner. If they fail to comply, they will face an additional five years behind bars.
This judgment has sent a strong message about the need for accountability in both public and private spheres. It marks a significant moment in the ongoing fight against corruption and fraud in Nigeria, especially involving those in positions of power and influence.
A Fraudulent Deception
Aisha Alkali Wakil, who became infamous for her alleged links to Boko Haram militants, has now found herself at the center of a criminal case unrelated to her previous notoriety. As the head of a prominent NGO, she was once seen as a humanitarian figure, claiming to work towards peace and rehabilitation in the northeastern part of Nigeria. However, this conviction reveals a darker side to her operations.
The other two convicts, Tahiru Saidu Daura and Prince Lawal Shoyode, were also prominent figures in the NGO and, according to the prosecution, played active roles in the fraudulent activities. Their involvement in the case highlights the vulnerability of many organizations that are tasked with providing aid and services to communities in need.
The sentencing has sparked a wider conversation about the ethical practices of NGOs in Nigeria, with many questioning how such organizations can abuse their positions for personal gain.
Reactions to the Judgment
The sentencing has been met with mixed reactions. While some have expressed relief that justice was served, others have raised concerns over the credibility of NGOs operating in volatile regions of Nigeria.
“Justice has been done,” said a member of the EFCC, who was closely involved in the prosecution. “This case proves that no one, no matter their status, is above the law. It is a clear message that fraud will not be tolerated.”
A spokesperson for the NGO sector, however, called for further scrutiny of similar organizations to prevent future cases of fraud and mismanagement.
“This conviction, though justified, highlights the need for stricter regulation of NGOs. They must be held to the highest standards of transparency and accountability,” the spokesperson said.