A Federal High Court in Katsina State has sentenced a female arms courier to death by hanging after the Department of State Services (DSS) successfully prosecuted her for conspiracy to commit terrorism, as well as aiding and abetting terrorist activities.
Arrest and Charges
The convict, Hauwa'u Mukhtar, was arrested by the DSS on September 16, 2023, at Jibia Motor Park in Katsina State, while allegedly attempting to transport 438 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition to one Ado, a suspected bandit kingpin operating in Dunburum Forest, Zamfara State.
Court Proceedings
Security sources said the DSS filed a two-count charge against Mukhtar before High Court No. 3 in Katsina, presided over by Justice A. B. Bawale. After reviewing the evidence, witness testimonies, exhibits, and final addresses from both prosecution and defence counsel, the court held that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt and found the defendant guilty on both counts. The judge consequently sentenced her to death by hanging in accordance with the provisions of the Katsina State Penal Code Law, 2021.
Second Death Sentence in June
The conviction marks the second death sentence secured by the DSS in June. Earlier, on June 3, a Federal High Court in Abuja sentenced four men to death by hanging for their involvement in the June 5, 2022 terror attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State, which left over 40 worshippers dead.
DSS Milestone
A security source described the ruling as a major milestone for the DSS, noting that it reflects the agency's capacity to intercept criminal actors and ensure successful prosecution leading to convictions.
Previous Conviction of Female Courier
It would be recalled that about a month ago, another Federal High Court in Abuja sentenced Halima Haliru Umar to 20 years imprisonment for unlawful possession of 302 rounds of AK-47 ammunition and attempting to support acts of terrorism, marking another conviction of a female arms courier secured by the DSS this year.
