Mother of Slain Terrorist Kingpin Sentenced to 20 Years

On June 10, 2026, Safiya Salihu Halima Abdullahi was sentenced to 20 years in prison by Justice Hauwa Joseph Yilwa for her involvement in aiding her son, a known terrorist kingpin, and for concealing information regarding his activities. Abdullahi pleaded guilty to counts 2, 4, and 5 of a five-count charge filed by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation.

She was convicted for aiding and abetting her son, who was involved in terrorist activities, and for concealing information about illegal firearms. The court found that she had communicated with her son, thereby committing offenses contrary to the Terrorism Prevention Prohibition Act of 2022.

Additionally, she was aware of her son's terrorist activities, including sponsoring a pilgrimage. The sentence will run concurrently, and she is to undergo rehabilitation.

The Department of State Services arrested her during investigations into the support network for the slain terrorist leader.