A Federal High Court sitting in Katsina State has sentenced a woman, Hauwa’u Mukhtar, to death by hanging after finding her guilty of conspiracy to commit terrorism and aiding terrorist activities.
The judgment followed a successful prosecution by the Department of State Services (DSS), marking the second death sentence secured by the agency this month in terrorism-related cases.
Security sources said Mukhtar was arrested by DSS operatives on September 16, 2023, at Jibia Motor Park in Katsina State while allegedly attempting to transport a large cache of ammunition to a notorious bandit leader in neighbouring Zamfara State.
According to the sources, the suspect was intercepted with 438 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition believed to have been intended for Ado, a feared bandit kingpin said to be operating within the Dunburum Forest area of Zamfara.
The arrest was described as a major breakthrough in efforts to disrupt the supply chain of weapons and ammunition to criminal groups terrorising communities in the North-West.
Following her arrest, the DSS arraigned Mukhtar before High Court No. 3 in Katsina on a two-count charge bordering on conspiracy to commit terrorism and aiding and abetting terrorist activities.
The case was presided over by Justice A. B. Bawale.
During the trial, prosecutors presented witnesses and tendered exhibits recovered during the investigation. The court also considered the arguments put forward by both the prosecution and defence teams.
After reviewing the evidence before it, Justice Bawale held that the prosecution had established its case beyond reasonable doubt.
The court consequently found Mukhtar guilty on both counts and sentenced her to death by hanging in accordance with the provisions of the Penal Code Law of Katsina State, 2021.
The conviction represents one of the strongest judicial outcomes in the country’s ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and banditry, particularly in northern Nigeria, where armed groups have continued to attack communities, abduct residents and target security personnel.
Security officials described the ruling as a significant achievement for the DSS, noting that intelligence gathering alone was not enough without successful prosecution of suspects.
“The successful prosecution is a significant milestone for the DSS, demonstrating its capacity to not only intercept criminal actors but to follow through with decisive legal action that results in landmark convictions,” a security source said.
The latest judgment comes just days after another major terrorism-related conviction secured by the secret police.
On June 3, a Federal High Court in Abuja sentenced four men arrested by the DSS to death by hanging over their involvement in the June 5, 2022 terrorist attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State.
The attack, one of the deadliest assaults on a place of worship in Nigeria’s recent history, claimed the lives of more than 40 worshippers and left many others injured.
Gunmen had opened fire and reportedly used explosives during the church service, throwing the country into mourning and sparking widespread outrage.
The conviction of those linked to the attack was welcomed by many Nigerians who had demanded justice for the victims and their families.
About a month ago, another terrorism-related case also ended in conviction.
A Federal High Court in Abuja sentenced Halima Haliru Umar to 20 years imprisonment after finding her guilty of unlawful possession of 302 rounds of AK-47 live ammunition and attempting to provide support for acts of terrorism.
The succession of convictions reflects increasing efforts by security agencies and the judiciary to ensure that individuals accused of supporting terrorist networks are held accountable under the law.
Nigeria has faced serious security challenges over the years, particularly in the North-East and North-West regions.
While the North-East has battled insurgency linked to Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), the North-West has witnessed a rise in banditry involving mass kidnappings, cattle rustling and attacks on rural communities.
Authorities have repeatedly warned that the activities of these criminal groups are sustained by networks responsible for supplying arms, ammunition, logistics and intelligence.
The conviction of Mukhtar is therefore seen not only as punishment for an individual offender but also as a warning to those who aid criminal groups by transporting weapons, providing logistics or facilitating their operations.
As Nigeria continues its fight against terrorism and violent crimes, the latest ruling underscores the determination of security agencies and the courts to pursue justice and impose severe penalties on those found guilty of supporting acts of terror.
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