Bandit arms courier jailed 10 years as Kano court warns logistics operators

A Federal High Court sitting in Kano has sentenced Raya Haruna to 10 years imprisonment for transporting arms and ammunition to bandits operating within Kano State and neighbouring areas, in a judgment that underscores the judiciary’s resolve to combat terrorism and banditry.

Simon Amobeda, the trial judge, convicted Haruna on a three-count charge bordering on the unlawful transportation of firearms and the provision of logistical support to criminal elements after finding the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.

The charges were filed under the Firearms Act and the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, which prohibit the unlawful possession, movement and supply of firearms as well as the provision of material support to terrorist groups and related criminal networks.

Court proceedings showed that Haruna was arrested by security operatives in 2024 during an operation targeting the movement of weapons to bandits terrorising communities in parts of Kano State and neighbouring locations. She had remained in custody throughout her trial before the Federal High Court.

In his judgment, Amobeda held that although the convict was not directly involved in armed attacks, her role in transporting weapons substantially aided the operations of bandits and terrorists.

The judge observed that the movement of arms and ammunition forms a critical component of terrorist activities, enabling criminal groups to carry out attacks that often result in loss of lives, injuries and destruction of property.

He further noted that the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, classifies the provision of logistics, transportation or any form of material assistance that facilitates terrorist activities as a serious criminal offence. According to the court, terrorism remains a major threat to national security, disrupting peace and development while causing extensive human and economic losses in affected communities.

Haruna was consequently sentenced to 10 years imprisonment without the option of fine on each of the three counts, with the sentences to run concurrently from the date of her arrest and detention in 2024.

The court also ordered that the recovered arms and ammunition be handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS) and directed that the convict be enrolled in rehabilitation and reformation programmes during her incarceration.

Amobeda said the judgment should serve as a deterrent to transporters, logistics operators and couriers, urging them to ensure their services are not used to support terrorism, banditry or other criminal activities.