Court Sentences Mother, Sister of Terrorist to 40 Years

On Friday, the Federal High Court in Abuja sentenced Safiya Salihu and Halima Abdullahi, the mother and sister of notorious terrorist kingpin Kachallah Ibrahim Battujo, to 40 years in prison for terrorism-related offenses. Justice Hauwa Joseph Yilwa delivered the judgment after the defendants pleaded guilty to counts 2, 4, and 5 of a five-count charge filed by the Federal Ministry of Justice.

The charges included aiding and abetting Battujo's activities and concealing information about his illegal firearm possession. Although they were discharged on counts 1 and 3, which involved allegations of receiving funds for terrorist activities, their admissions of guilt on the remaining counts led to the sentencing.

The court ordered that the sentences run concurrently and directed that the convicts undergo rehabilitation during their jail term. The case highlights ongoing efforts by the Department of State Services to combat terrorism in Nigeria.