A Federal High Court in Katsina State has sentenced Hauwa'u Mukhtar, a female arms courier, to death by hanging for her involvement in terrorism-related offences. The conviction follows her arrest in 2023 with 438 rounds of ammunition intended for bandits.
Arrest and Interception
On September 16, 2023, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) acting on intelligence intercepted Mukhtar at Jibia Motor Park in Katsina State. She was caught in possession of 438 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition. Investigations revealed that the ammunition was destined for a notorious bandit leader known as 'Ado', who operates from Dunburum Forest in Zamfara State.
Charges and Trial
The DSS filed a two-count charge against Mukhtar: conspiracy to commit terrorism and aiding and abetting terrorist activities. During the trial at Federal High Court No. 3 in Katsina, the prosecution presented overwhelming evidence, including witness testimonies and the recovered ammunition, linking Mukhtar directly to the syndicate.
Verdict
Presiding Judge Justice A. B. Bawale ruled that the prosecution had proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt. Rejecting the defence's arguments, the court found Mukhtar guilty on both counts. She was sentenced to death by hanging under the Katsina State Penal Code Law, 2021.
Deterrent Effect
Security officials have long argued that banditry in the North is sustained by underground logistical networks supplying weapons. Mukhtar's severe sentence is intended to serve as a harsh deterrent. It comes amid an intelligence-driven crackdown by the DSS targeting facilitators and couriers who support terror cells. Legal experts await whether Mukhtar's legal team will file an appeal, but the sentence sends a clear message that aiding terrorism carries the ultimate price.
