Court Sentences Female Arms Courier to Death in Katsina

On September 16, 2023, Hauwa U. Mukhtar was sentenced to death by hanging by the Federal High Court in Katsina State after being found guilty of conspiracy to commit and aiding terrorism.

The Department of State Services (DSS) successfully prosecuted her for attempting to transport 438 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition from Jibia Motor Park to the Dunburum forest in Zamfara State, an area known for banditry. The court, presided over by Justice B.

Bawal, evaluated the evidence presented, including witness testimonies and exhibits, and concluded that the prosecution proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt. This conviction is seen as a significant milestone for the DSS, demonstrating its capability to intercept criminal actors and take legal action against them.

The sentencing follows a recent trend of severe penalties for terrorism-related offenses in Nigeria, including previous death sentences handed down in June 2023 for individuals involved in a terror attack in Ondo State.