The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has sentenced a former 2015 senatorial candidate in Borno State, Babagana Habeeb, to 10 years imprisonment for selling petrol to members of the Boko Haram terrorist group.
Habeeb was convicted on Friday by Justice Peter Lifu on a one-count charge of aiding and abetting terrorism brought against him by the Federal Government.
The court held that the convict provided fuel supplies that supported the operations of Boko Haram insurgents, who have been responsible for years of violence, killings, and displacement in north-eastern Nigeria.
Boko Haram, which began its insurgency around 2009, has carried out repeated attacks on civilians, security forces, schools, and communities, leading to one of the worst humanitarian crises in the region.
According to court proceedings, Habeeb, who operated a fuel station in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, initially pleaded guilty when he was arraigned.
However, he told the court that he was not personally involved in the sale, suggesting that his fuel attendants might have been responsible for selling petrol to the terrorists without his knowledge.
During sentencing, the convict reportedly spent close to one hour in the dock kneeling and pleading for mercy, saying he had a family depending on him.
He told the court that he has two wives and six children and also complained that he had been held in detention for over 10 years without access to his family.
His lawyer also urged the court to consider his long period in detention and show leniency in sentencing.
However, the Federal Government, through its counsel, Mr David Kaswe, strongly opposed any plea for a lighter sentence.
Kaswe argued that the actions of the convict had serious consequences, as the fuel supplied to terrorists helped them carry out attacks that led to deaths, destruction of communities, and displacement of thousands of people.
He further told the court that Boko Haram fighters relied heavily on motorcycles for movement, and fuel supply from such sources enabled them to launch surprise attacks and escape into remote forest areas.
According to him, such support, whether direct or indirect, contributed to the persistence of terrorism in the region.
Although the prosecution suggested a 20-year prison term, the court considered several factors before delivering its final judgment.
In his ruling, Justice Lifu stated that there was no evidence showing that Habeeb was a member of Boko Haram or that he participated directly in combat or weapon handling.
The judge noted that the only established offence was the supply of petrol to the terrorist group, which still amounted to aiding and abetting terrorism under Nigerian law.
The court also considered the claim that the convict had spent more than 10 years in detention without trial or proper communication with his family, a claim which the prosecution did not dispute.
Justice Lifu held that this long period in custody should be taken into account during sentencing.
He therefore sentenced Habeeb to 10 years imprisonment, with the jail term to begin from the date of his arrest and detention.
This effectively means that the time he has already spent in custody will be counted as part of his sentence.
The judge also ordered that upon completion of the legal formalities, Habeeb should be released to undergo rehabilitation.
The case highlights the wider issue of how terrorist groups operating in the North-East have been sustained over the years through local support networks, including fuel supply, food, logistics, and other forms of assistance.
The Boko Haram insurgency has devastated communities across Borno State and neighbouring states for more than a decade, leaving thousands dead and millions displaced.
The Nigerian government has continued military operations and legal prosecutions to weaken the group and its support systems, with several suspects charged in court for terrorism-related offences.
The conviction of Habeeb is seen as part of ongoing efforts to cut off all forms of support to insurgents and deter others from engaging in similar acts.
As the fight against terrorism continues, authorities have repeatedly urged citizens to report suspicious activities and avoid any dealings that could indirectly support armed groups.
For now, the court’s decision brings closure to a long-running case, while also sending a strong warning that even indirect assistance to terrorists carries serious legal consequences under Nigerian law.