Mother, Sister of Slain Bandit Kingpin Sentenced to 40 Years for Terrorism Offences

Mother, Sister of Slain Bandit Kingpin Sentenced to 40 Years for Terrorism Offences

A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced two women linked to slain terrorist and bandit leader Kachallah Ibrahim Battujo to a combined 40 years imprisonment for terrorism-related offences.

The convicts, Safiya Salihu and Halima Abdullahi, identified as the mother and sister of Battujo, were convicted following investigations conducted by the Department of State Services (DSS).

Justice Hauwa Joseph Yilwa delivered the judgment on Friday after both women pleaded guilty to multiple counts contained in a five-count charge filed by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF).

Battujo, described by security agencies as a notorious bandit and terrorist commander operating across parts of Nigeria’s North-Central and North-West regions, was killed by security operatives on June 10, 2026, during a military operation in a forest near Iluke in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

During proceedings, the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Oyedepo Rotimi (SAN), applied to withdraw Counts 1 and 3 of the charge. The court subsequently struck out the counts, which alleged that the defendants knowingly received N490,300 from Battujo despite being aware that the funds were proceeds of terrorism and that they participated in a Hajj pilgrimage sponsored with money linked to terrorist activities.

However, both women admitted guilt to Count 2, which accused them of aiding and abetting the activities of Battujo by passing information to him through telephone conversations while he was actively involved in banditry and terrorism operations.

The charge stated that the defendants knowingly provided information and support to the wanted bandit leader, an offence punishable under Section 26 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

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Safiya Salihu also pleaded guilty to Count 5, which alleged that she deliberately withheld information about her son’s terrorist activities from security agencies despite having knowledge that could have assisted in his arrest.

Similarly, Halima Abdullahi admitted guilt to an additional count relating to the concealment of information concerning her brother’s possession of firearms and activities within his forest hideout, which she reportedly observed during visits to his camp.

In her judgment, Justice Yilwa sentenced each defendant to 20 years imprisonment on every count for which they were convicted. The court ordered that the sentences run concurrently, meaning each woman will serve 20 years in prison rather than separate consecutive terms.

The judge further directed that both convicts undergo rehabilitation and deradicalisation programmes upon completion of their prison terms before reintegration into society.

The case is part of the Federal Government’s ongoing crackdown on terrorism financing, logistics support networks, and individuals accused of aiding terrorist and bandit groups across the country. Under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, offences involving support for terrorist activities, concealment of information, and aiding terrorist operations attract severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences. Recent terrorism-related convictions by the Federal High Court have similarly resulted in prison terms ranging from 20 years to life imprisonment. (Businessday NG)

Security agencies had previously identified Battujo as one of the key figures behind violent criminal operations in parts of the North-Central and North-West zones before his elimination earlier this month. Authorities say investigations into his network and alleged collaborators remain ongoing.

The conviction of his mother and sister underscores the government’s determination to prosecute not only armed perpetrators but also individuals accused of providing intelligence, concealment, financing, or other forms of support to terrorist organisations and bandit groups.

Mother, Sister of Slain Bandit Kingpin Sentenced to 40 Years for Terrorism Offences