Mama Boko Haram, Two Others Jailed for ₦11 Million Fraud: Full Story and Legal Breakdown
In a major anti-corruption development that has sent shockwaves across Nigeria, Justice Aisha Kumaliya of the Borno State High Court in Maiduguri on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, convicted and sentenced three individuals — Aisha Alkali Wakil, popularly known as Mama Boko Haram, along with her associates Tahiru Saidu Daura and Prince Lawal Shoyode — to 14 years imprisonment each for conspiracy and obtaining money under false pretence.
This landmark ruling marks a significant victory for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in its ongoing war against financial crimes and fraud in Nigeria. According to the EFCC’s official statement, signed by spokesperson Dele Oyewale, the three individuals were found guilty of fraudulently collecting ₦11 million naira from a man named Muhammed Ambare under the guise of executing a fictitious government contract.
Who Is Mama Boko Haram?
Aisha Alkali Wakil, widely known by the nickname Mama Boko Haram, rose to national fame for her reported efforts in negotiating with members of the Boko Haram insurgent group. She was often portrayed as a humanitarian figure advocating for peace and deradicalization in the conflict-ridden Northeast Nigeria. However, Wednesday’s ruling has cast a dark shadow over her public image.
Far from her reputation as a peacemaker, Wakil was found guilty of criminal conspiracy and fraudulent misrepresentation. She was tried in her capacity as the Chief Executive Officer of Complete Care and Aid Foundation (CCAF) — a non-governmental organisation she co-ran with co-conspirators Tahiru Saidu Daura (Programme Manager) and Prince Lawal Shoyode (Country Director).
What the EFCC Said About the Case
The EFCC’s Maiduguri Zonal Directorate had originally arraigned the trio on September 14, 2020, on a two-count charge of conspiracy and obtaining money by false pretence, a violation of Sections 1(1)(b) and 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.
According to the EFCC’s detailed account:
“The defendants obtained the sum of ₦11 million from one Muhammed Ambare under the false pretence of executing a purported contract for the supply, installation, and servicing of two units of X-Ray Machine Model 1800, which they knew to be false.”
This fraudulent act was allegedly carried out in July 2018 and involved the deceitful use of a charity organisation as a front to commit fraud. The funds were deposited into a third-party account, and the promised services — including the delivery of X-Ray machines — were never fulfilled.
Excerpt From the Charge Sheet
One of the charges against them reads:
“That you, Aisha Alkali Wakil, Tahiru Saidu Daura, Prince Lawal Shoyode whilst being Chief Executive Officer, Programme Manager, and Country Director respectively of Complete Care and Aids Foundation (Non-Governmental Organisation) and Saidu Mukhtar (now at large) sometime in July 2018 at Maiduguri... with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of ₦11 million from one Muhammed Ambare... under false pretence...”
Despite pleading not guilty, the prosecution — led by EFCC lawyers Mukhtar Ali Ahmed and S.O. Saka — presented compelling evidence in court. Their case included a witness testimony and documentary exhibits, which the court found credible and sufficient to convict the accused.
Justice Kumaliya’s Judgment
Justice Aisha Kumaliya, presiding over the case, found the three defendants guilty after a full trial. She sentenced each of them to seven years imprisonment on each of the two counts, to run concurrently. In effect, each defendant will serve a total of 14 years behind bars.
Furthermore, the court ordered the convicts to pay back ₦8 million naira to the complainant, Muhammed Ambare. Failure to do so would attract an additional seven-year jail term, bringing the potential sentence to a staggering 21 years.
This sentence sends a clear signal to other individuals and organizations engaging in fraudulent activities under the guise of humanitarian work.
The Case of the Missing Co-Accused
Interestingly, a fourth individual involved in the case, Saidu Mukhtar, remains at large. He was listed as a co-defendant in the charge but was not present during the trial. His role in the scheme remains under investigation, and the EFCC has not ruled out further legal action against him once apprehended.
“No Contract Was Executed”
In a scathing conclusion, the EFCC noted:
“The convicts induced the petitioner to pay ₦11 million into a third-party account. No contract was executed, and the funds were never returned.”
This statement underscores the deceptive nature of the transaction. Unlike most fraud cases involving fake documents or impersonation, this case involved individuals hiding behind the veil of charity work — using a non-profit platform to execute personal enrichment schemes.
Implications for Nigeria’s NGO Sector
This conviction has not only damaged the personal reputations of those involved but also raised serious questions about the credibility of some non-governmental organisations (NGOs) operating in Nigeria. Many NGOs enjoy donor trust and public goodwill, and this case has highlighted how that trust can be exploited for fraudulent gain.
The EFCC has urged the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious financial activity, especially when involving charitable groups or humanitarian programs.
Conclusion
The sentencing of Aisha Wakil and her co-defendants marks a significant moment in Nigeria’s battle against fraud and corruption. It shows that no one is above the law, not even those who hide under the cloak of charity and humanitarian service. The EFCC’s successful prosecution in this case should serve as a warning to others who attempt to defraud innocent citizens and manipulate public goodwill for personal gain.
As Nigerians continue to call for transparency and accountability in both public and private sectors, this ruling will likely encourage further scrutiny of NGOs and their operations across the country. For now, justice has been served — and the message is loud and clear: fraud will not go unpunished.
