The State Security Service (SSS), also known as the Department of State Services (DSS), has announced its intention to appeal the life sentences handed down on Monday to two top commanders of the Ansaru terrorist organization by a Federal High Court in Abuja. The decision follows the conviction of Mahmud Usman (also known as Abu Bara'a, Abbas, or Mukhtar) and his deputy and chief of staff, Abubakar Abba (also known as Mahmud al-Nigeri or Malam Mamuda), who pleaded guilty to a 32-count terrorism charge.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, sentenced the two notorious terrorists to life imprisonment after they pleaded guilty to the charges. The convicts, along with their lawyer, had pleaded for leniency, asking the court to temper justice with mercy. However, a top SSS official later expressed dissatisfaction with the verdict, describing the life sentences as too light for the crimes committed by the Ansaru commanders.
SSS Official's Reaction
The SSS official, who spoke to journalists on condition of anonymity, revealed that the service found it curious that the convicts had initially indicated a willingness to plead guilty but changed their minds shortly after members of their organization kidnapped pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. According to the official, the kidnappers held the victims for nearly 60 days and demanded the unconditional release of the Ansaru commanders in exchange for the hostages.
“For the nearly 60 days the kidnappers held on to the pupils and teachers of Oriire, the Ansaru commanders in our custody changed. One of the top conditions the abductors gave was the unconditional release of these same Ansaru commanders in exchange for the Oriire kidnap victims,” the official said.
Change of Plea After Rescue
The official further explained that the two men had previously entered a plea of not guilty and were undecided on what plea to take during the penultimate court session. Justice Nwite had to give them an ultimatum to make up their minds before Monday's sitting. After the successful rescue of the Oriire victims, the commanders came to court and pleaded guilty to all charges. The SSS believes this change of plea was influenced by the kidnapping and subsequent rescue.
Beheading of Teachers
The SSS official emphasized that allowing the two terror commanders to receive life sentences would not serve the cause of justice, particularly for the two Oriire teachers who were beheaded by their abductors. The official stated that the terrorists beheaded the teachers to pressure the government into releasing the Ansaru commanders. “It, therefore, wouldn’t be fair to see two men beheaded and their families are made to live with the losses without adequately bringing the culprits to book,” he added.
The service has therefore decided to appeal the life sentences, arguing that the punishment is insufficient given the severity of the crimes and the loss of innocent lives. The case continues to draw attention as the government seeks to combat terrorism in the region.
