A Federal High Court in Katsina has sentenced Hauwa'u Mukhtar to death by hanging for conspiracy to aid and abet terrorism. She was arrested on September 16, 2023, at Jibia Motor Park in Katsina State while transporting 438 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition destined for Ado, a bandit leader operating in Dunburum Forest, Zamfara State. The Department of State Services (DSS) prosecuted her on a two-count charge at High Court No. 3, Katsina, presided over by Justice A. B. Bawale. The court found that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, based on evidence, witness testimonies, and exhibits.
Justice Bawale handed down the death sentence in line with the Penal Code Law of Katsina State, 2021. The DSS has now secured two death sentences in June, following the June 3 conviction of four men for their involvement in the June 5, 2022, attack on St Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, which killed over 40 people. Another female arms courier, Halima Haliru Umar, was sentenced to 20 years in prison about a month ago for attempting to supply 302 rounds of AK-47 ammunition for terrorist purposes. That case, also handled by the DSS, marked the first conviction of a woman in such a role this year.
A security source described the latest conviction as a significant milestone for the DSS, stating it demonstrated the agency's ability to intercept suspects and achieve landmark convictions through legal follow-through. The court proceedings included final addresses from both prosecution and defence counsels before the judgment was delivered.
Hauwa'u Mukhtar faces execution for moving 438 bullets, while others who orchestrated attacks resulting in over 40 deaths received the same sentence. This equalizes the punishment for material support with that of direct mass violence under current sentencing. Nigerians now see that transporting ammunition for bandits carries the same legal consequence as perpetrating church massacres. The symmetry in penalties may shape how future suspects are charged in terrorism-related cases.
Editorial note: AI-assisted opinion. All persons mentioned are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Full disclaimer →
