A Borno State High Court in Maiduguri has once again sentenced Aisha Alkali Wakil, widely known as “Mama Boko Haram,” to 14 years imprisonment, following her conviction for defrauding a businessman of N11 million through a fake contract scheme. She was convicted alongside Tahiru Saidu Daura and Prince Lawal Shoyode, both of whom also received the same sentence.

The presiding judge, Justice Aisha Kumaliya, delivered the verdict on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, marking yet another chapter in the repeated prosecution of Wakil, who had previously been convicted in multiple fraud-related cases.

Details of the Case and Court Charges

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) originally arraigned Wakil and her co-defendants on September 14, 2020, charging them with two counts of conspiracy and obtaining money by false pretence. According to the EFCC, the fraudulent activity took place in July 2018.

At that time, the three defendants served in senior roles at Complete Care and Aid Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) based in Maiduguri. Wakil served as Chief Executive Officer, Daura as Programme Manager, and Shoyode as Country Director. They, along with one Saidu Mukhtar (who remains at large), convinced a businessman, Muhammed Ambare, to pay N11 million under the pretense of awarding him a contract to supply, install, and service two X-Ray Machine Model 1800 units.

The contract, however, was fictitious.

False Promises and Stolen Funds

Ambare, who owns Muhammed Ambare Ventures, transferred the money to an account allegedly linked to Mukhtar, believing the contract to be legitimate. However, no equipment was supplied, and no services were rendered. After months of waiting without results or refunds, Ambare filed a complaint, prompting an investigation and eventual prosecution by the EFCC.

The court document detailed how the accused intentionally misled the petitioner, securing the funds with full knowledge that they would not fulfill the contractual obligations.

Trial Proceedings and Sentencing

Following the arraignment, all three defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges, forcing the case into full trial. The prosecution, led by counsels Mukhtar Ali Ahmed and S.O. Saka, presented both documentary evidence and a key witness, all of which substantiated the fraud allegations.

After several adjournments requested by the defense, the trial resumed in 2025. Upon concluding the hearings, Justice Kumaliya delivered her judgment, finding the trio guilty on both counts.

Each convict received a 14-year prison sentence, though the judge ordered that the sentences run concurrently, effectively making it seven years behind bars for each of them.

In addition to the prison terms, the court ordered the defendants to jointly and severally pay back N8 million to the victim, Muhammed Ambare. Should they fail to make restitution, they will each serve an additional seven-year prison term.

Part of a Pattern: Multiple Fraud Convictions

This is not the first time Wakil and her associates have found themselves on the wrong side of the law. She has built a long and controversial record of using her NGO position to defraud unsuspecting businesspeople under the pretense of awarding fake government or humanitarian contracts.

In November 2024, she received a five-year prison sentence for a separate fraud case involving N6 million. In that case, she tricked a businessman into delivering a Toyota Camry by claiming it was part of a government contract—another promise that turned out to be false.

Furthermore, she was previously sentenced in multiple other cases, including:

• N40 million fraud case involving fake medical equipment supply contracts

• N120.5 million fraud case tied to bogus agricultural deals

• N150 million fraud scheme, again linked to fraudulent contracts through her NGO

In total, Wakil has faced more than five separate convictions, with cumulative sentences reaching decades in prison. While most of these judgments included concurrent sentencing, her legal troubles appear far from over.

EFCC’s Pursuit and the Fight Against NGO-Based Fraud

The EFCC, particularly through its Maiduguri Zonal Directorate, has continued to intensify efforts to prosecute high-profile individuals who abuse their positions within NGOs or charity organisations. The Commission has consistently presented compelling evidence, including financial transaction records, witness testimony, and organisational documents, that reveal patterns of fraudulent activity tied to Wakil’s NGO.

Their prosecutions aim not just to punish but to serve as a deterrent to others who might consider exploiting humanitarian or nonprofit cover to commit fraud.

Dangerous Implications for Humanitarian Work

Wakil earned the nickname “Mama Boko Haram” for her prior involvement in alleged negotiations with insurgent groups and humanitarian advocacy in the troubled northeast. This background had once earned her trust and prominence, making her fraud schemes even more devastating.

Her actions have cast a shadow over genuine humanitarian efforts, especially in Borno and other states affected by conflict and displacement. NGOs operating in Nigeria already face public scrutiny, and cases like this erode community trust, making it harder for legitimate organisations to operate freely and attract funding.

Outstanding Suspect Still at Large

One notable absence in the courtroom remains Saidu Mukhtar, the fourth defendant in the case who reportedly controlled the bank account into which the fraudulent funds were deposited. Authorities have issued a warrant for his arrest and continue to seek his whereabouts. His capture could lead to further developments and possibly another round of prosecutions if additional victims come forward.

Final Judgment Sends Clear Message

The sentencing handed down by Justice Kumaliya sends a clear message: fraudulent acts carried out under the cloak of charity will not go unpunished. The court also reinforced that NGO executives do not have the authority to award contracts or request funds under false pretenses, and that any deviation from their stated mission must be treated as criminal.

What Happens Next?

Although Wakil and her co-defendants may still pursue an appeal, legal experts believe the multiple convictions and weight of evidence against them make any reversal unlikely. Additionally, the requirement to refund N8 million or serve extra time in jail places additional pressure on the convicts, especially if assets have been frozen or seized.

With ongoing cases pending and more potential victims coming forward, the saga of “Mama Boko Haram” is far from over.

Conclusion: A Pattern of Deceit with Consequences

Aisha Alkali Wakil’s repeated use of her NGO to defraud others underlines the dangers of unchecked power in charitable institutions. Her latest conviction reflects the resilience of Nigeria’s judicial system and the EFCC’s commitment to enforcing anti-fraud laws. As the courts continue to crack down on NGO-related fraud, the public and international donors alike will hope these steps restore accountability in the nonprofit sector.

Nigeria’s message is clear: fraud masquerading as philanthropy will face the full force of the law.