The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced two women arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) for terrorism-related offences to 40 years' imprisonment. The convicts, Safiya Salihu and Halima Abdullahi, are the mother and sister, respectively, of notorious terrorist kingpin Kachallah Ibrahim Battujo, who was killed by Nigerian security forces on June 10, 2026, during an operation in a forest near Iluke in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Guilty Pleas and Sentencing
Justice Hauwa Joseph Yilwa handed down the sentences on Friday after both women pleaded guilty to Counts 2, 4 and 5 of a five-count charge filed by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation. The court, however, struck out Counts 1 and 3 following an application by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Mr. Oyedepo Rotimi (SAN). Count 1 alleged that the women received N490,300 from Battujo, knowing it was proceeds of terrorism, while Count 3 accused them of undertaking a Hajj pilgrimage sponsored with funds linked to terrorist activities.
Details of the Charges
According to Count 2, both women aided and abetted the activities of Battujo by passing information to him through telephone conversations. The charge stated that they knowingly provided support to the terrorist kingpin, an offence punishable under Section 26 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. In addition to Count 2, Safiya Salihu pleaded guilty to Count 5, which related to concealing information about the terrorist activities of her son. Halima Abdullahi, on her part, pleaded guilty to Count 4, which bordered on concealing information about firearms illegally acquired by her brother, which she reportedly saw during a visit to his forest camp.
Concurrent Sentences and Rehabilitation
Justice Yilwa sentenced both women to 20 years imprisonment on each of the counts to which they pleaded guilty. The court, however, ordered that the sentences run concurrently, meaning each convict will serve 20 years in prison. The judge further directed that the convicts undergo rehabilitation after serving their prison terms. The DSS had arrested the women during investigations into the activities and support network of the slain terrorist leader.
The conviction is seen as part of ongoing efforts by security agencies and the Federal Government to dismantle terrorism networks and prosecute individuals found to be aiding or concealing terrorist activities.
