By Kolawole Omotola Olaide
The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced the mother and sister of slain bandit commander Kachallah Ibrahim Battujo to 40 years imprisonment each after finding them guilty of terrorism-related offences.
The judgment, delivered by Justice Hauwa Yilwa on Friday, followed the guilty pleas entered by the two women, Safiya Salihu and Halima Abdullahi, on several counts linked to aiding the activities of the notorious bandit leader.
According to court proceedings, the convicts were found to have maintained communication with Battujo and provided information that supported his operations while he remained active in the forests. The court held that their actions amounted to aiding and abetting terrorism under Nigeria’s Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Investigations further revealed that both women had direct knowledge of Battujo’s activities and had visited his hideout, where they reportedly saw him in possession of firearms. Despite being aware of his operations, they failed to alert security agencies or provide information that could have led to his arrest.
Justice Yilwa ruled that their failure to report the activities of the wanted bandit constituted a serious breach of the law and contributed to the continuation of terrorist activities.
The prosecution, led by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), successfully secured convictions on three terrorism-related counts. However, the court struck out other allegations involving the receipt of funds allegedly linked to terrorism proceeds and sponsorship for pilgrimage after the prosecution requested their withdrawal.
During the trial, prosecutors argued that the defendants knowingly maintained contact with the notorious criminal and concealed critical information from security authorities, thereby obstructing efforts to dismantle his network.
Battujo, regarded as one of the most feared bandit leaders operating in parts of northern Nigeria, was reportedly killed by security forces on June 10, 2026, during an operation in a forest area near Iluke in Kogi State’s Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area.
Legal analysts say the judgment sends a strong warning that individuals who knowingly support, assist, or conceal information about terrorists and bandits could face severe punishment regardless of family ties.
Security experts have also described the ruling as a significant step in the fight against terrorism, stressing that dismantling criminal networks requires holding accountable not only the perpetrators but also those who provide support and protection.
The case is expected to reinforce ongoing efforts by security agencies and the Federal Government to combat terrorism, banditry, and other violent crimes across the country.
