The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced the mother and sister of slain terrorist kingpin Kachallah Ibrahim Battujo to 40 years' imprisonment each for aiding his terrorist activities and concealing information that could have led to his arrest .
Justice Hauwa Joseph Yilwa handed down the sentences on Friday, June 19, after the two women, Halima Abdullahi (mother) and Safiya Salihu (sister), pleaded guilty to terrorism-related charges brought against them by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation .
How They Aided the Terrorist Kingpin
The court found both women guilty on three counts of a five-count charge . The offences included:
Aiding and abetting: The women passed information to Battujo through telephone conversations, facilitating his terrorist operations — an offence contrary to Section 26 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 .
Concealing information: Both women withheld critical intelligence from security agencies. Safiya Salihu visited Battujo's forest camp and saw him in possession of firearms but failed to report this to authorities . Halima Abdullahi similarly concealed information about her son's activities that could have materially assisted in securing his apprehension .
N490,300 and Hajj Sponsorship Allegations
The prosecution, led by Director of Public Prosecutions Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, had also charged the women with receiving N490,300 from Battujo knowing it was proceeds of terrorism, and accepting sponsorship for Hajj pilgrimage from funds linked to terrorist activities . These two counts were struck out after the prosecution applied for their withdrawal .
Concurrent Sentences, Effective 20 Years Each
While each count carried a maximum sentence of 20 years, Justice Yilwa ordered that the sentences run concurrently . This means each woman will serve an effective 20-year prison term, with the sentences taking effect from their date of arrest in February 2026 .
The court further directed that the convicts undergo rehabilitation after serving their prison terms .
Background: Battujo's Killing
Battujo, a notorious bandit and terrorist leader, was killed by Nigerian security forces on June 10, 2026, in a forest near Iluke in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State . He was eliminated following a failed attempt to carry out a mass abduction and attack on students sitting for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) .
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