TERR0RISM: Court Sentences Man to 20 Years in Prison for Concealing Information on Alleged Notorious Bandit

TERRORISM: Court Sentences Man to 20 Years in Prison for Concealing Information on Alleged Notorious Bandit

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has sentenced Muhammad Sani to 20 years imprisonment for concealing information about an alleged notorious bandit, Danranmi, whose activities were linked to terrorism-related offences.

Justice Emeka Nwite delivered the judgment after convicting Sani on two counts under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

According to court proceedings, Sani, a resident of Nabi Village in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, knowingly withheld information that could have assisted security agencies in apprehending Danranmi, who was alleged to be involved in supplying arms and ammunition to kidnappers and bandits operating in parts of Niger State.

The prosecution also alleged that Sani received ₦580,000 from the fugitive suspect to purchase 150 rounds of ammunition, despite having reasonable grounds to believe the ammunition would be used in the commission of terrorism-related offences.

Justice Nwite sentenced Sani to 20 years imprisonment without the option of a fine on Counts One and Two. The sentence is to take effect from January 11, 2023, the date of his arrest, and he is to serve the jail term at the Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja.

The conviction is seen as part of ongoing efforts by Nigerian security agencies and the judiciary to prosecute individuals who aid or facilitate terrorism and banditry by concealing vital information or providing material support.