Woman Bags 10-Year Jail Term For Transporting Arms To Bandits

A Federal High Court sitting in Kano has sentenced a woman, Raya Haruna, to 10 years imprisonment for transporting arms and ammunition to bandits operating in Kano and neighbouring areas.

Justice Simon Amobeda handed down the sentence after finding Haruna guilty of three counts bordering on unlawful transportation of firearms and providing logistical support to criminal elements.

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 weapons as well as material support to terrorist groups.

Haruna was arrested by security operatives in 2024 during an operation aimed at stopping the movement of arms to bandits terrorizing communities in parts of Kano State.

Delivering judgment, Justice Amobeda held that although the convict did not directly participate in attacks, her role as an arms courier contributed to sustaining the activities of bandits and terrorists.

The judge said the transportation of weapons and ammunition remained a key part of criminal operations, enabling groups to carry out attacks that threaten lives and property.

He noted that the law recognises the provision of logistics, transportation or any form of support that facilitates terrorism as a serious offence punishable by imprisonment.

Justice Amobeda stressed that terrorism and banditry posed a major threat to national security and development, adding that those who assist criminal groups would face the consequences of their actions.

The court sentenced Haruna to 10 years imprisonment on each of the three counts without an option of fine, with the sentences 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, while directing that the convict undergo rehabilitation and reformation programmes during her incarceration.

He warned transporters, logistics operators and couriers against engaging in activities that support terrorism and banditry, saying such actions would attract severe punishment under the law.