A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced Halima Haliru Umar to 20 years in prison for unlawful possession of ammunition and attempting to support acts of terrorism. Justice Hauwa Yilwa delivered the ruling after Umar pleaded guilty to two of the four counts brought against her by the Department of State Services (DSS).
Details of the Case
The case involves 302 rounds of AK-47 live ammunition. Umar was arrested by the DSS in Plateau State and charged with four counts. On March 11, she pleaded guilty to counts three and four, which relate to unlawful possession of ammunition and attempting to render support for terrorism. Justice Yilwa noted that by pleading guilty, Umar admitted the facts presented by the prosecution without offering any defense. The court then adjourned for judgment on those counts.
Defense Plea for Leniency
During sentencing, Umar's lawyer, Hamza Dantani, asked the court to show mercy. He explained that Umar is a first-time offender, remorseful, and did not waste the court's time. He also highlighted that she is a nursing mother of a one-year-old child who was arrested alongside her. Dantani urged the court to temper justice with mercy, stating that the convict is a first-time offender who is remorseful.
Prosecution's Position
Counsel for the prosecution, Caliistus Eze, confirmed that there was no record of any previous conviction against Umar. Justice Yilwa briefly suspended proceedings before returning to deliver her judgment. She sentenced Umar to 20 years' imprisonment on count three and one year on count four.
Trial on Remaining Charges Adjourned
The judge adjourned the case until July 9 for the prosecution to begin trial on counts one and two, to which Umar pleaded not guilty. This ruling shows the seriousness with which Nigerian courts treat offenses involving terrorism and unlawful possession of arms.
