Woman Gets 10 Years for Supplying Arms to Bandits

A Federal High Court in Kano has sentenced a woman, Raya Haruna, to ten years in prison. She was found guilty of transporting arms and ammunition to bandits in Northern Nigeria.

Justice Simon Amobeda, who presided over the case, delivered the judgment on Friday. The court found her guilty on three counts related to illegal transportation of firearms and providing support to criminals.

The charges were based on the Firearms Act and the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. These laws make it a crime to illegally possess, move, or supply firearms, and to assist terrorist groups and criminal networks.

Raya was arrested in 2024 during an operation to stop the flow of weapons to bandits terrorizing communities in Kano State and nearby areas. Since her arrest, she had been in custody, facing trial for helping transport arms for criminal groups.

In delivering the judgment, Justice Amobeda said that even though Raya did not directly take part in attacks or shoot anyone, her role as an arms courier helped bandits and terrorists carry out their activities.

The judge pointed out that transporting weapons is a key part of terrorist operations. It allows these groups to launch attacks that lead to death, injury, and destruction.

“Transportation of weapons and ammunition is a critical link in the chain of terrorist operations that enables them to carry out attacks that result in death, injuries and widespread destruction,” he stated.

Justice Amobeda also mentioned that under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, providing logistics or any support for terrorist activities is a serious crime punishable by law.

He emphasized that terrorism is a major threat to national security. It causes loss of life and property, and disrupts peace and development in affected areas.

The court sentenced Raya Haruna to 10 years in prison without the option of fine for each of the three counts. The sentences will run at the same time starting from her arrest in 2024.

Justice Amobeda ordered that the seized arms and ammunition be handed to the Department of State Services. He also directed that Raya participate in rehabilitation and reformation programs while in prison.

He noted that this sentence should warn those transporting goods and providing logistics to operate legally and stay away from supporting terrorism and banditry.