Kebbi Federal High Court: 19 Terrorism Convictions Secured

• Nineteen individuals have been convicted in Kebbi State for terrorism, illegal firearms possession, and critical infrastructure vandalism.
• Two alleged terrorism kingpins, Aliyu Hadari and Umar Musa Uzzi, received 15-year sentences on multiple counts under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
• Eleven persons were convicted for unlawful possession of firearms, including a Chinese national, Mr. Ripin Liu, who received a six-year sentence.
• Six individuals were also convicted for vandalizing electric cables in Sakaba, receiving prison terms ranging from three to eight years.
• The Kebbi State Police Command views these convictions as a significant breakthrough and has vowed to sustain operations against criminal activities.

The convictions send an unmistakable message that crime does not pay.

The Federal High Court, Birnin Kebbi Judicial Division, has successfully concluded the prosecution of 19 individuals, leading to their convictions for various offenses including terrorism, illegal possession of firearms, and the vandalism of critical national infrastructure. These convictions, secured after a comprehensive 17-month investigation and prosecution effort, were the result of intelligence-led operations conducted across key security flashpoints within Kebbi State, including Yauri, Bagudo, and Sakaba. Justice Emmanuel Gakko presided over these cases, marking a significant legal outcome for the region.

Among those convicted were two individuals identified as alleged terrorism kingpins, Aliyu Hadari and Umar Musa Uzzi. They faced three counts each, encompassing terrorism, providing logistical support to an armed terrorist group, and conspiracy to commit terrorism, all in violation of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. The court heard that Hadari and Uzzi were apprehended along Yauri Road while traveling in a vehicle reportedly acquired for the purpose of transporting kidnapped victims to a forest hideout. Both men received sentences of 15 years’ imprisonment for each count, with the court also ordering the forfeiture of the vehicle and a Bajaj motorcycle to the Federal Government.

In separate proceedings, eleven individuals were found guilty of unlawful possession of firearms. Police operations leading to these arrests resulted in the recovery of eleven assorted weapons, which included locally fabricated pistols, a locally made Beretta pistol, and several dane guns. Notably, a Chinese national, Mr. Ripin Liu, was among those convicted, receiving a six-year prison sentence with an option of a fine after being found with a locally made Beretta pistol. Other sentences included four years without a fine for Mohammed Bello Ibrahim, also known as Banki, and three years without a fine for Abubakar Siddi. Mohammed Bako, Bello Dantiye, Aliyu Dandaula, Abubakar Usman, and Buba Alhaji Umaru each received three-year prison terms. John Zweme was sentenced to two years and six months with a fine option, while Aliyu Bako and Sani Alaramma each received two-year sentences, also with the option of a fine.

Further convictions involved six individuals—Sani Tanko, Ibrahim Hamza, Samson Sunday, Abdulrahman Isah, Adamu Musa, and Masudu—who were found guilty of vandalizing and stealing electric cables in the Sakaba Local Government Area. This criminal activity caused significant disruption to electricity supply across entire communities. The court imposed varying prison terms on these individuals, ranging from three to eight years, reflecting the severity of their actions and the impact on public services.

The successful prosecution of Aliyu Hadari and Umar Musa Uzzi under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, underscores Nigeria's robust legal framework designed to combat terrorism. The specific charges of providing logistics and conspiracy to commit terrorism highlight the comprehensive nature of the Act, which targets not only direct acts of terror but also the support networks that enable such activities. The Federal High Court's jurisdiction in these matters ensures that serious national security offenses are handled at a high judicial level, reflecting their gravity.

The convictions for illegal firearms possession, while not explicitly tied to a specific act in the source, fall under general criminal statutes prohibiting the unauthorized ownership and use of weapons. The recovery of various locally fabricated and traditional firearms during the operations indicates a persistent challenge with arms proliferation, which these convictions aim to deter. The varying sentences, including options for fines for some offenders, suggest a judicial consideration of individual circumstances within the broader context of public safety.

Similarly, the convictions for critical infrastructure vandalism address a significant threat to public services and economic stability. The disruption of electricity supply to entire communities, as noted in the Sakaba case, illustrates the tangible harm caused by such crimes. These prosecutions reinforce the legal protections for essential services and the government's commitment to holding accountable those who undermine public utilities. The range of sentences imposed reflects the judiciary's discretion in penalizing acts that directly impact community well-being.

The Kebbi State Police Command has hailed these convictions as a major breakthrough in its ongoing efforts against terrorism, the proliferation of illegal arms, and economic sabotage. Commissioner of Police Umar M. Hadejia emphasized that these judgments unequivocally demonstrate the severe consequences awaiting those who engage in criminal activities, stating, "The convictions send an unmistakable message that crime does not pay." This reinforces the command's resolve to ensure justice is served.

Commissioner Hadejia extended commendations to Justice Gakko for his handling of the cases, as well as to the diligent investigators and prosecuting counsel whose efforts were crucial to securing the convictions. Looking ahead, Hadejia pledged to maintain and intensify operations targeting terrorism, the illegal trade in weapons, and the destruction of vital infrastructure. This commitment signals a sustained enforcement posture by authorities in Kebbi State.

Furthermore, the police command has called upon residents to actively participate in maintaining security by reporting any suspicious movements or activities. Hadejia assured the public that all credible information received would be acted upon decisively and promptly. This appeal for community cooperation underscores the belief that public vigilance is a critical component in the broader strategy to protect lives and property and to bring criminal elements to justice within the state.

Lawyers should advise clients on the heightened enforcement risk and severe penalties for terrorism, illegal firearms, and critical infrastructure vandalism in Kebbi State, particularly under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, as demonstrated by these successful prosecutions and the authorities' stated commitment to sustained operations.

Source: Reporting based on Kebbi State Police statements.