An Abuja court has jailed a Niger State man for 20 years after finding him guilty of concealing information about a wanted bandit and terrorism-related offences.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced a resident of Niger State, Muhammad Sani, to 20 years in prison after finding him guilty of withholding critical information about an alleged notorious bandit believed to have been involved in supplying weapons to criminal groups operating in parts of the country.
The judgment, delivered by Justice Nwite on Monday, marks another significant prosecution under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, as Nigerian authorities continue efforts to dismantle networks supporting terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping across the country.
Muhammad Sani, who hails from Nabi Village in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, was arraigned on a four-count charge linked to terrorism-related offences.
The allegations against him included conspiracy to conceal information about a wanted bandit, failure to report intelligence to security agencies, conspiracy to facilitate the purchase of ammunition, and receiving funds intended for the procurement of ammunition allegedly meant for criminal operations.
After considering the evidence presented before the court, Justice Nwite convicted Sani on the first two counts of the charge.
The court held that he knowingly concealed information about an alleged notorious bandit identified as Danranmi, who remains at large, despite being aware of the suspect’s alleged involvement in supplying arms and ammunition to kidnappers and bandits operating in and around Niger State.
According to the prosecution, Sani possessed information that could have significantly assisted security agencies in locating and arresting the wanted suspect.
Rather than notifying law enforcement authorities, he allegedly chose to remain silent, an action the court found to be contrary to the provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, which requires individuals to disclose information capable of preventing terrorism-related crimes or facilitating the arrest of suspects.
The prosecution maintained that Sani’s failure to provide the available intelligence contributed to the continued freedom of the alleged bandit, thereby frustrating efforts by security agencies to tackle criminal activities in affected communities.
Court documents also alleged that Sani conspired with Danranmi to obtain ammunition for use in unlawful activities.
Investigators claimed that the fugitive suspect allegedly handed Sani the sum of ₦580,000 to purchase 150 rounds of ammunition from an individual identified only as “Chairman.”
The prosecution argued that Sani had reasonable grounds to believe that the ammunition would be used, either wholly or partly, in committing offences under Nigeria’s anti-terrorism laws.
These allegations formed the basis of the third and fourth counts contained in the charge brought before the Federal High Court.
Also read:
While the court convicted Sani on the first two counts, Justice Nwite sentenced him to 20 years’ imprisonment without the option of a fine.
The judge further directed that the prison term should take effect from January 11, 2023, the date of Sani’s arrest, in line with applicable legal provisions governing the computation of custodial sentences.
Following the judgment, the court ordered that the convict be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre in the Federal Capital Territory, where he will serve his sentence.
Legal observers note that the case highlights the increasing willingness of Nigerian authorities to prosecute not only individuals directly accused of terrorism and banditry but also those alleged to have assisted such suspects by concealing useful information or providing logistical support.
Security agencies have repeatedly warned that withholding information about wanted criminals can significantly undermine efforts to combat insecurity, particularly in regions affected by armed banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism.
Authorities believe that intelligence supplied by members of the public often plays a vital role in preventing attacks, disrupting criminal networks, and securing successful prosecutions.
A security source familiar with the matter described the conviction as part of ongoing nationwide efforts to ensure that those who enable criminal activities through silence or indirect support are held accountable under the law.
The source explained that combating terrorism requires more than arresting armed suspects alone, stressing that individuals who knowingly conceal information or facilitate the operations of criminal groups also contribute to the security challenges confronting the country.
The judgment is expected to reinforce public awareness of the legal obligation to cooperate with security agencies by reporting credible intelligence relating to terrorism, kidnapping, illegal arms trafficking, and other serious offences.
As security agencies continue operations against bandits and other armed groups across several states, authorities have urged citizens to promptly share relevant information capable of preventing crimes or leading to the arrest of wanted suspects.
Officials believe that stronger collaboration between communities and law enforcement remains one of the most effective tools in addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
The conviction of Muhammad Sani therefore serves as a reminder that the law extends beyond those who carry out violent attacks.
Individuals who deliberately conceal information or assist terrorism-related activities in any form also risk severe penalties under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
About The Author
