Court Sentences Woman to 20 Years Imprisonment for Illegal Arms Supply to Bandits
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has sentenced a woman, Halima Haliru Umar, to 20 years imprisonment over her involvement in illegal arms trafficking linked to bandit networks.
The judgment was delivered by Justice Yilwa Joseph after the convict pleaded guilty to charges bordering on terrorism and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.
Halima Haliru Umar was arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) in 2025 at Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
According to the prosecution, the convict was apprehended with 302 rounds of AK-47 ammunition and the sum of ₦57,000 believed to be connected to the illegal operation.
During her arraignment, the defendant pleaded guilty to counts three and four of the charge, which related to terrorism offences and illegal possession of ammunition.
In his judgment, Justice Yilwa Joseph held that the convict had admitted to the facts presented by the prosecution and failed to provide any evidence in her defence.
The court consequently convicted and sentenced her to 20 years imprisonment on the two counts.
Earlier, defence counsel, Hamzat Dantani, pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy, arguing that the defendant had saved judicial time by admitting guilt.
However, the court maintained that the offences were serious and posed a threat to national security.
The matter was adjourned to July 9, 2026, for the continuation of trial on counts one and two, to which the defendant pleaded not guilty.
The prosecution forms part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to disrupt illegal arms supply chains and dismantle bandit and terrorist networks operating across the country.
Court Sentences Woman to 20 Years Imprisonment for Illegal Arms Supply to Bandits