Kebbi Police Secure Conviction of 19 Persons for Terrorism, Illegal Firearms Possession, Vandalism

The Kebbi State Police Command says it has secured the conviction of 19 persons for terrorism, illegal possession of firearms, and vandalism of critical national infrastructure after 17 months of investigation and prosecution.

The convictions were secured at the Federal High Court, Birnin Kebbi Judicial Division, in a judgment delivered by Justice Emmanuel Gakko.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, said the cases followed intelligence-led operations across Yauri, Bagudo, Sakaba, and other security flashpoints in the state.

The statement identified Aliyu Hadari and Umar Musa Uzzi as two terrorism suspects convicted on three counts relating to terrorism, providing logistics to an armed terrorist group, and conspiracy to commit terrorism under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

The duo were reportedly intercepted along Yauri Road while travelling in a vehicle allegedly acquired to transport kidnap victims to a forest hideout.

They were sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment on each count, while the court ordered the forfeiture of the vehicle and a Bajaj motorcycle to the Federal Government.

The police also announced the conviction of 11 persons for unlawful possession of firearms, with 11 assorted weapons recovered in connection with the cases.

Among those convicted was a Chinese national, Mr Ripin Liu, who was arrested with a locally made Beretta pistol and sentenced to six years’ imprisonment, with an option of a fine.

Mohammed Bello Ibrahim, also known as Banki, received four years’ imprisonment without an option of a fine, while Abubakar Siddi, Mohammed Bako, Bello Dantiye, Aliyu Dandaula, Abubakar Usman and Buba Alhaji Umaru were each sentenced to three years’ imprisonment without an option of a fine.

John Zweme was sentenced to two years and six months’ imprisonment, with an option of a fine, while Aliyu Bako and Sani Alaramma received two years’ imprisonment each, with an option of a fine.

The Command further secured the conviction of six persons — Sani Tanko, Ibrahim Hamza, Samson Sunday, Abdulrahman Isah, Adamu Musa and Masudu — for vandalising and stealing electric cables in Sakaba Local Government Area.

According to the statement, the offence disrupted electricity supply to affected communities, while the convicts received prison terms ranging from three to eight years.

Reacting to the judgments, the Commissioner of Police, CP Umar M. Hadejia, said the convictions demonstrated the Command’s determination to ensure that criminal cases were diligently investigated and prosecuted.

He commended the presiding judge, the investigative team and prosecuting counsel for their roles in securing the convictions.

The commissioner also assured residents that the police would sustain operations against terrorism, illegal arms proliferation and economic sabotage.

He urged members of the public to report suspicious movements and activities, assuring them that credible information would receive prompt attention.

The Kebbi State Police Command reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property and bringing offenders to justice.