The Kebbi State Police Command 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, presided over by Justice Emmanuel Gakko, following intelligence-led operations across Yauri, Bagudo, Sakaba and other security flashpoints in the state.
The command disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday by its Public Relations Officer, Bashir Usman, describing the convictions as a breakthrough in the fight against terrorism, illegal arms proliferation and economic sabotage.
According to the statement, two alleged terrorism kingpins, Aliyu Hadari and Umar Musa Uzzi, were convicted on three counts of terrorism, providing logistics to an armed terrorist group and conspiracy to commit terrorism, contrary to the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The men were intercepted along Yauri Road while travelling in a vehicle allegedly acquired to transport kidnapped victims to their forest hideout. The court sentenced both to 15 years’ imprisonment on each count and ordered the forfeiture of the vehicle and a Bajaj motorcycle to the Federal Government.
In a separate judgment, 11 persons were convicted of unlawful possession of firearms. The police said 11 assorted weapons were recovered during the operations, including locally fabricated pistols, a locally made Beretta pistol and dane guns.
Among those convicted was a Chinese national, identified as 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 was sentenced to three years without an option of a fine.
Mohammed Bako, Bello Dantiye, Aliyu Dandaula, Abubakar Usman and Buba Alhaji Umaru were sentenced to three years’ imprisonment each. John Zweme received two years and six months’ imprisonment, with an option of a fine, while Aliyu Bako and Sani Alaramma were each sentenced to two years, with an option of a fine.
The command also 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.
The police said the offence disrupted electricity supply to entire communities. The convicts received various prison terms ranging from three to eight years.
Reacting to the judgments, the Commissioner of Police, Umar M. Hadejia, said the convictions demonstrated the consequences of criminal activities and the command’s determination to ensure that offenders faced justice.
“The convictions send an unmistakable message that crime does not pay,” Hadejia said.
He commended Justice Gakko for his handling of the cases and praised the investigators and prosecuting counsel for their diligence. He also vowed to sustain operations against terrorism, illegal arms proliferation and the destruction of critical infrastructure.
Hadejia urged residents to report suspicious movements and activities, assuring them that credible information would receive prompt attention.
“Every credible tip would be acted upon decisively,” he said.
The command reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property and bringing those involved in criminal activities to justice.