A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced the mother and sister of a notorious bandit leader to 40 years imprisonment each after finding them guilty of terrorism-related offences. The conviction marks a significant step in Nigeria's ongoing crackdown on terrorism, banditry, and the networks that support criminal groups operating across parts of the country.
Details of the Conviction
The convicts, Safiya Salihu and Halima Abdullahi, were found guilty of aiding the terrorist activities of bandit leader Kachallah Ibrahim Battujo by sharing information with him via phone calls. Their actions constitute an offense punishable under Section 26 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. Justice Hauwa Yilwa also found the two women guilty of hiding information. By failing to promptly disclose Battujo’s activities to security agents or law enforcement, they prevented his timely apprehension.
Broader Crackdown on Terrorist Networks
The judgment comes amid an intensified effort by the Federal Government and security agencies to target not only armed bandits and terrorists but also financiers, logistics suppliers, informants, and collaborators who help sustain their operations. In recent months, courts across the country have secured a series of convictions against individuals accused of providing support to terrorist groups. Several suspects have received prison terms ranging from 20 to 40 years, while others have been sentenced to death for offences related to terrorism, arms trafficking, and logistical support for criminal groups.
Recently, the court sentenced three Boko Haram terrorists to death by hanging and two to life imprisonment. The latest conviction also comes as the Federal Government continues the mass trial of terrorism suspects across the country. More than 500 suspected terrorists are currently facing prosecution in one of Nigeria's largest counter-terrorism legal exercises.
Government’s Position
Authorities say the ongoing prosecutions are aimed at ensuring accountability and deterring individuals who provide assistance to terrorist and bandit groups. The conviction of the bandit leader's relatives is expected to further reinforce the government's position that anyone found aiding or facilitating terrorist activities will face the full weight of the law, regardless of their relationship to those involved in criminal operations.
