A Federal High Court sitting in Katsina State has sentenced a woman, Hauwa’u Mukhtar, to death by hanging after convicting her of terrorism-related offences linked to bandit activities in the North-West.
The court found Mukhtar guilty of conspiring with terrorists and facilitating their operations by attempting to deliver a large cache of ammunition to a notorious bandit commander operating in Zamfara State.
The conviction followed her arrest by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) on September 16, 2023, at Jibia Motor Park in Katsina State.
Security officials intercepted her while she was allegedly transporting 438 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition intended for a wanted bandit kingpin identified as Ado.
According to the prosecution, the ammunition was meant to be delivered to the criminal leader, who is believed to be operating from the notorious Dunburum Forest, an area that has long served as a hideout for armed groups involved in kidnappings, killings and attacks across parts of Zamfara and neighbouring states.
The DSS subsequently arraigned Mukhtar before the Federal High Court in Suit No. KTH/65C/2023. The case was heard by Justice A. B. Bawale.
During the trial, the prosecution presented witnesses and tendered several exhibits to support its claims that the defendant knowingly participated in activities that aided terrorist operations. The court also considered arguments advanced by defence counsel before arriving at its decision.
In his judgment, Justice Bawale held that the evidence presented before the court was credible and sufficient to establish the charges beyond reasonable doubt. He ruled that the prosecution had successfully proved both counts filed against the defendant.
The court therefore convicted Mukhtar for conspiracy to commit terrorism and for aiding and abetting terrorist activities.
Following the conviction, Justice Bawale sentenced her to death by hanging in accordance with the provisions of the Penal Code Law of Katsina State, 2021.