A Federal High Court in Katsina has handed down a death sentence to Hauwa'u Mukhtar. She was convicted of supplying ammunition to armed bandits terrorizing northwestern Nigeria.
Mukhtar faced two charges: conspiracy to commit terrorism and aiding terrorist activities. Prosecutors from the Department of State Services built the case against her.
DSS operatives arrested her on September 16, 2023, at Jibia Motor Park in Katsina State. She was allegedly attempting to hand over 438 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition to a bandit leader named Ado.
According to security officials, Ado operates from Dunburum Forest in Zamfara State. The ammunition seizure prevented a significant weapons transfer to the criminal network.
Justice A. B.
Bawale presided over the case at the Federal High Court. In his ruling, he noted that prosecutors had proven their case beyond reasonable doubt.
The judge evaluated evidence, exhibits, and witness testimonies before reaching his verdict. He found her guilty on both charges and imposed capital punishment by hanging.
Bawale applied the Katsina State Penal Code Law, 2021, in sentencing. The judgment represents a major victory in the fight against bandit networks in the region.
Officials say this conviction shows authorities' determination to prosecute ammunition suppliers. They view such prosecutions as crucial to stemming the violence plaguing the northwest.
