Court Sentences Female Arms Courier to Death for Aiding Terrorism in Katsina

Court Sentences Female Arms Courier to Death for Aiding Terrorism in Katsina

A Federal High Court in Katsina State has sentenced a female arms courier, Hauwa’u Mukhtar, to death by hanging after finding her guilty of conspiracy to commit terrorism and aiding and abetting terrorist activities.

Mukhtar was arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) on September 16, 2023, at Jibia Motor Park in Katsina State while allegedly attempting to transport 438 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition to a notorious bandit leader identified as Ado, who operates within the Dunburum Forest in Zamfara State.

According to security sources, the DSS charged the suspect before High Court No. 3 in Katsina under Suit No. KTH/65C/2023. The case was presided over by Justice A. B. Bawale.

Following the trial, the court held that the prosecution had successfully established its case beyond reasonable doubt after considering the evidence presented, witness testimonies, exhibits tendered, and final submissions by both the prosecution and defence teams.

Justice Bawale subsequently convicted Mukhtar on the two-count charge and sentenced her to death by hanging in line with the provisions of the Penal Code Law of Katsina State, 2021.

Security sources described the judgment as a significant milestone in ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and banditry, noting that it demonstrates the ability of security agencies not only to intercept criminal actors but also to secure successful prosecutions through the judicial process.

The conviction comes weeks after another female arms courier, Halima Haliru Umar, was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment by a Federal High Court in Abuja for unlawful possession of 302 rounds of AK-47 ammunition and attempting to provide support for terrorist activities.

Authorities say the latest conviction underscores the determination of security agencies and the judiciary to hold individuals accountable for offences linked to terrorism and insecurity across the country.

Court Sentences Female Arms Courier to Death for Aiding Terrorism in Katsina