A Federal High Court in Katsina State, Nigeria, has sentenced a woman, Hauwa'u Mukhtar, to death by hanging for terrorism-related offenses. The court found her guilty of conspiracy to commit terrorism and aiding and abetting terrorist activities.
Arrest and Charges
Mukhtar was arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) on September 16, 2023, at Jibia Motor Park in Katsina State. She was allegedly attempting to smuggle ammunition to a suspected bandit leader. The DSS arraigned her on a two-count charge, which included conspiracy to commit terrorism and aiding and abetting terrorist activities.
Court Ruling
Justice A.B. Bawale delivered the judgment, stating that the prosecution had proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt through evidence, exhibits, and witness testimonies. The court convicted Mukhtar on both counts and sentenced her to death by hanging under the Katsina State Penal Code Law, 2021.
Details of the Offense
According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication, Mukhtar was caught transporting 438 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition to a notorious bandit kingpin known as Ado, who operates in Dunburum forest, Zamfara State.
Context of Insecurity
Terrorist attacks have continued to plague Katsina State, causing widespread casualties, deaths, and kidnappings. The sentencing comes amid ongoing efforts to combat banditry and terrorism in the region.
Related Cases
In a similar case, Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja sentenced four suspects to death by hanging for the June 5, 2022 attack on a church in Owo, Ondo State, which killed over 40 worshippers. A fifth defendant, Momoh Otuho Abubakar, was discharged and acquitted.
Additionally, a Federal High Court in Abuja handed down life sentences to four Boko Haram terrorists after they pleaded guilty. Justice James Omotosho also convicted 14 other suspects, imposing prison terms ranging from 20 to 25 years. These verdicts reflect the Federal Government's determination to prosecute terrorism offenses and reinforce national security.
