COURT JAILS WOMAN 10 YEARS FOR TRANSPORTING ARMS, AMMUNITION TO BANDITS
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By ‘Sefiu Ajape
A Federal High Court sitting in Kano has convicted and sentenced a woman, Raya Haruna, to 10 years imprisonment for transporting arms and ammunition to bandits operating in parts of Northern Nigeria.
The trial judge, Justice Simon Amobeda, delivered the judgment on Friday after finding the defendant guilty on a three-count charge relating to the unlawful transportation of firearms and the provision of logistical support to criminal groups.
The charges were filed under the Firearms Act and the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, which prohibit the illegal possession, movement, and supply of firearms, as well as the provision of material support to terrorist organisations and related criminal networks.
Haruna was arrested by security operatives in 2024 during an operation targeting the movement of weapons to bandits terrorising communities in Kano State and neighbouring areas.
Since her arrest, she had remained in custody while standing trial on allegations connected to the transportation of arms and ammunition for criminal groups.
In his judgment, Justice Amobeda held that although the convict may not have directly participated in attacks or personally carried out acts of violence, her role in conveying weapons significantly supported and sustained the operations of bandits and terrorists.
The judge noted that the movement of arms and ammunition plays a vital role in enabling terrorist activities and violent crimes.
“Transportation of weapons and ammunition is a critical link in the chain of terrorist operations that enables them to carry out attacks that result in death, injuries and widespread destruction,” he said.
Justice Amobeda further stated that under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, providing logistics, transportation, or any form of material support that facilitates terrorist activities constitutes a serious criminal offence.
He stressed that terrorism remains a major threat to national security, resulting in the loss of lives and property while undermining peace, stability, and development in affected communities.
The court subsequently sentenced Haruna to 10 years imprisonment without the option of a fine on each of the three counts. The sentences are to run concurrently from the date of her arrest and detention in 2024.
The judge also ordered that the recovered arms and ammunition be handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS) and directed that the convict be enrolled in rehabilitation and reformation programmes during her incarceration.
Justice Amobeda added that the judgment should serve as a deterrent to transporters, logistics operators, and couriers, urging them to conduct their businesses lawfully and avoid involvement in activities that aid terrorism and banditry.
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