DSS Secures 20-Year Jail Term for Man for Shielding Notorious Bandit Kingpin
A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced Muhammad Sani to 20 years’ imprisonment for concealing information about a notorious bandit identified as Danranmi, an offence that enabled the suspect to evade arrest.
Sani, a resident of Nabi Village in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, was convicted on two counts of terrorism-related offences under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The Department of State Services (DSS) had arrested and prosecuted Sani on a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, failure to disclose information on a suspected terrorist, and alleged involvement in the procurement of ammunition for criminal elements.
According to the prosecution, Sani conspired with Danranmi, who remains at large, to conceal information that the fugitive was a notorious bandit involved in supplying arms and ammunition to kidnappers and bandits operating in and around Niger State.
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The prosecution further told the court that Sani knowingly failed to report information that could have assisted security agencies in apprehending Danranmi, contrary to the provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Additional charges alleged that Sani conspired with the fugitive to receive ₦580,000 for the purchase of 150 rounds of ammunition from a supplier identified as “Chairman,” with reasonable grounds to believe the ammunition would be used to facilitate terrorist activities.
Delivering judgment on Monday, Justice Nwite found Sani guilty on Counts One and Two and sentenced him to 20 years’ imprisonment on each count without the option of a fine. The sentences are to run from January 11, 2023, the date of his arrest.
The court ordered that Sani serve his jail term at the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja.
A security source described the conviction as part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to hold accountable individuals who aid terrorism and banditry by concealing vital intelligence or facilitating the activities of criminal networks.
By PRNigeria
