A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced Muhammad Sani to 20 years’ imprisonment for concealing information about an alleged notorious bandit, Danranmi, whose activities were linked to the supply of arms to kidnappers and bandits operating in and around Niger State.
Sani, a native of Nabi Village in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, was convicted on two counts of terrorism-related offences after the court found him guilty of conspiring to conceal information that could have aided the arrest of the fugitive suspect.
According to the charges, Sani and Danranmi conspired on 9 January 2023 in Lafia, Nasarawa State, to conceal the fact that Danranmi allegedly supplied arms and ammunition to kidnappers and bandits.
Prosecutors said Sani also failed to disclose information that would have materially assisted law enforcement agencies in apprehending the suspect.
The four-count charge further alleged that Sani conspired with Danranmi to receive N580,000 for the purchase of 150 rounds of ammunition from a supplier identified as “Chairman”, knowing that the ammunition was intended for the commission of terrorism-related offences. He was also accused of receiving the money for the transaction.
Delivering judgement, Justice Nwite convicted Sani on Counts One and Two and sentenced him to 20 years’ imprisonment without the option of a fine on each count. The court ordered that the sentence should take effect from 11 January 2023, the date of his arrest.
The judge also directed that Sani should serve the jail term at the Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja.
The Department of State Services (DSS) described the conviction as part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to dismantle networks supporting terrorism and banditry through the concealment of intelligence and other forms of assistance.
“The conviction is part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to prosecute those who enable banditry and terrorism financing by withholding useful intelligence across the country,” the agency said.
