Federal High Court Convicts Two Women for Providing Support, Intelligence and Concealing Terrorism Activities Linked to Killed Bandit Leader
By Angela Udende
ABUJA, NIGERIA — June 20, 2026
The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced two women — identified as the mother and sister of a slain suspected terrorist commander — to a combined 40 years imprisonment for aiding, abetting, and concealing terrorism-related activities in Katsina State.
Justice Hauwa Yilwa delivered the judgment after the defendants, Safiya Salihu and Halima Abdullahi, pleaded guilty to multiple counts contained in a five-count terrorism charge filed by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS).
The case is linked to Kachallah Ibrahim Battujo, a suspected bandit leader reportedly killed by Nigerian security forces on June 10, 2026, in a forest near Iluke in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Guilty Pleas Seal Conviction in Terrorism Case
Court records show that both defendants admitted to key charges bordering on providing support and intelligence to a known bandit network.
Following their guilty pleas to counts two, four, and five of the amended charge, the court proceeded to conviction while striking out counts one and three.
Prosecutors alleged that the women received and handled funds believed to be proceeds of terrorism and were aware of the criminal activities of Battujo.
The prosecution also alleged that part of the funds linked to the suspect were used to sponsor personal religious pilgrimage activities.
How the Women Supported the Terror Network
According to the charge sheet, the convicted women were accused of actively supporting the operations of the late suspected kingpin through communication and concealment of critical information.
Count two of the charge stated that both women:
“aided and abetted the activities of Battujo, a known bandit kingpin, and passed information through telephone conversations to the said Battujo…”
The offences were said to be contrary to Section 26 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Prosecutors further alleged that Safiya Salihu failed to disclose knowledge of her son’s activities, while Halima Abdullahi concealed information regarding illegal firearms reportedly seen at a forest camp linked to the suspect.
Court documents indicate that Halima allegedly visited the camp and observed weapons but did not report the discovery to authorities.
Prosecution Push for Conviction and Sentencing
During proceedings, the Director of Public Prosecution, Oyedepo Rotimi (SAN), urged the court to convict the defendants on the counts they pleaded guilty to while striking out the remaining charges.
The prosecution maintained that the defendants knowingly supported a criminal enterprise that contributed to violent attacks and insecurity in parts of northern Nigeria.
The court agreed in part, entering convictions on counts two, four, and five, while discharging counts one and three.
Judgment: 40 Years With Concurrent Sentencing
Delivering judgment, Justice Hauwa Yilwa imposed a sentence of 20 years imprisonment on each of the counts for which the defendants were convicted.
However, the court ordered that the sentences run concurrently, meaning the women will serve a total of 20 years each, bringing the combined sentence to 40 years.
The judge further directed that upon completion of their custodial terms, the convicts should undergo rehabilitation programmes.
Legal observers say the rehabilitation order reflects the court’s attempt to balance punitive justice with reintegration measures in terrorism-related convictions.
Legal Context: Expanding Scope of Terrorism Prosecutions
The case highlights the increasing prosecution of non-combatant individuals accused of supporting insurgent and bandit networks through financial assistance, communication, or concealment of information.
Security analysts note that recent prosecutions under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 have expanded the definition of liability to include relatives and associates of armed group leaders where evidence of material support exists.
Officials say such cases are intended to disrupt logistical and social support structures that sustain armed criminal groups.
The conviction of Safiya Salihu and Halima Abdullahi marks another significant development in Nigeria’s ongoing legal campaign against terrorism financing and support networks.
While the court acknowledged their guilty pleas, the ruling reinforces a growing judicial stance that individuals connected to terrorist activities — even indirectly — may face substantial custodial sentences.
Authorities say the judgment is expected to serve as a deterrent to those who knowingly shield or support violent criminal enterprises.
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