Woman sentenced to death for supplying ammunition to bandits in Katsina

A Federal High Court in Katsina has sentenced Hauwa’u Mukhtar to death by hanging after finding her guilty of terrorism-related offences linked to the supply of ammunition to armed bandits operating in northwestern Nigeria.

Mukhtar was convicted on a two-count charge of conspiracy to commit terrorism and aiding and abetting terrorist activities following her prosecution by the Department of State Services (DSS).

The court heard that she was arrested by DSS operatives on September 16, 2023, at Jibia Motor Park in Katsina State while allegedly attempting to deliver 438 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition to a suspected bandit leader, Ado, believed to be operating from the Dunburum Forest in Zamfara State.

She was subsequently arraigned before the Federal High Court in Katsina in Suit No. KTH/65C/2023.

In his judgment, A. B. Bawale said the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt after evaluating the evidence, exhibits, witness testimonies and arguments presented by counsel.

The court found Mukhtar guilty on both counts and imposed the death penalty by hanging in line with the provisions of the Katsina State Penal Code Law, 2021.

The judgment marks one of the most significant convictions secured in recent years against individuals accused of supporting terrorist and bandit networks through the illegal movement of ammunition in the North-West.