A Federal High Court sitting in Kano has convicted and sentenced Raya Haruna to ten years’ imprisonment for transporting arms and ammunition to bandits operating in parts of Northern Nigeria.
Justice Simon Amobeda delivered the judgment on Friday after finding the defendant guilty on a three-count charge bordering on the unlawful transportation of firearms and the provision of logistical support to criminal elements.
The charges were brought under the Firearms Act and the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, which criminalise the unlawful possession, movement, and supply of firearms, as well as the provision of material support or assistance to terrorist groups and related criminal networks.
Raya Haruna was arrested by security operatives in 2024 during an operation aimed at disrupting the supply of weapons to bandits terrorising communities in parts of Kano State and neighbouring areas. She had remained in custody since her arrest.
In his judgment, Justice Amobeda noted that although the convict did not directly participate in attacks, her role as an arms courier significantly aided and sustained the activities of bandits and terrorists.
He described the transportation of weapons and ammunition as a critical link in the chain of terrorist operations that enables deadly attacks, injuries, and widespread destruction.
The judge stressed that providing logistics, transportation, or any form of material support that facilitates terrorist activities constitutes a serious offence under the Terrorism Act.
The court sentenced Raya Haruna to ten years’ imprisonment without the option of a fine on each of the three counts, with the sentences to run concurrently from the date of her arrest and detention in 2024.
Justice Amobeda ordered that the recovered arms and ammunition be handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS).
He also directed that the convict be enrolled in rehabilitation and reformation programmes during her incarceration.
The judge added that the sentence should serve as a deterrent to transporters, logistics operators, and couriers against involvement in activities that support terrorism and banditry.
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