In a significant ruling that underscores Nigeria’s intensifying crackdown on terrorism and those accused of supporting terror networks, the Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced the mother and sister of notorious terrorist kingpin Kachallah Ibrahim Battujo to a combined prison term of 40 years for their involvement in terrorism-related activities.
The judgment, delivered on Friday by Justice Hauwa Joseph Yilwa, marked another major milestone in the Federal Government’s efforts to dismantle not only armed criminal groups operating across the country but also the support systems that enable their operations. The two convicted women, Safiya Salihu and Halima Abdullahi, were found guilty of aiding terrorist activities linked to the late Battujo, one of the most feared bandit leaders in Nigeria before his death at the hands of security forces.
The court proceedings drew considerable public attention due to the identities of the defendants and their close relationship with the slain terrorist commander. Battujo, who had long been associated with violent attacks, kidnappings, and criminal operations in parts of northern Nigeria, was killed by Nigerian security operatives on June 10, 2026, during a military operation conducted in a forest near Iluke in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
According to court records, the two women were arrested following extensive investigations by the Department of State Services (DSS), which uncovered evidence linking them to activities that supported and facilitated Battujo’s operations. The investigations formed the basis of a five-count charge filed against them by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation.
During the proceedings, both defendants entered guilty pleas to specific counts contained in the charge. Their admissions of guilt ultimately paved the way for the court to hand down convictions on offences relating to aiding terrorism and concealing critical information that could have assisted security agencies in apprehending the notorious bandit leader.
DOYA News gathered that prosecutors successfully demonstrated that both women knowingly maintained communication with Battujo and provided information that assisted his activities while he remained a wanted criminal figure. The prosecution argued that their actions contributed to sustaining the operational capabilities of the terror network led by the late kingpin.
One of the central charges, identified as Count Two, accused both women of aiding and abetting the activities of Battujo by passing information to him through telephone conversations. The prosecution maintained that these communications provided support to the terrorist leader and constituted a violation of Section 26 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The court accepted their guilty pleas on this count and held that their conduct amounted to active assistance to an individual widely known to be engaged in terrorism-related activities. Justice Yilwa emphasized that the law imposes severe consequences on individuals who knowingly provide support, assistance, or intelligence to terrorists and criminal groups.
Beyond the charge of aiding terrorist activities, each woman also faced an additional count tied to the concealment of information. In the case of Battujo’s mother, Halima Abdullahi, she pleaded guilty to Count Five, which accused her of deliberately withholding information regarding the activities and whereabouts of her son despite possessing knowledge that could have assisted security agencies in apprehending him.
Similarly, Safiya Salihu, Battujo’s sister, admitted guilt on Count Four, which alleged that she visited her brother’s forest hideout and personally observed him in possession of firearms. Despite being aware of the weapons and the implications of her brother’s activities, she failed to report the information to law enforcement agencies or any security authority.
The court held that such concealment constituted a serious offence under Nigeria’s anti-terrorism laws because the information could have materially assisted security agencies in locating and arresting the wanted criminal. Prosecutors argued that by remaining silent, the defendants indirectly enabled Battujo to continue his operations without interference from authorities.
Notably, both women escaped conviction on Counts One and Three after the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Oyedepo Rotimi, SAN, requested the court to strike out the charges. These counts related to allegations that the defendants received N490,300 from Battujo, funds allegedly suspected to be proceeds of terrorism, as well as sponsorship for the Hajj pilgrimage financed through similar proceeds.
Although the allegations were initially included in the charge sheet, the prosecution chose not to pursue convictions on those counts, focusing instead on the offences to which the defendants had already admitted guilt.
In delivering her judgment, Justice Yilwa imposed a sentence of 20 years imprisonment for each of the counts on which the women were convicted. However, the court ordered that the sentences run concurrently rather than consecutively. As a result, each woman will serve a total prison term of 20 years, bringing the combined sentence handed to both defendants to 40 years.
The judge further directed that upon completion of their prison terms, the convicts should undergo rehabilitation as part of efforts aimed at reintegrating them into society and preventing future involvement in criminal activities.
Legal observers have described the ruling as one of the strongest judicial statements yet on the responsibility of family members and associates of terrorists to cooperate with security agencies. The judgment sends a clear signal that individuals who knowingly support, communicate with, or conceal information about terrorists may face severe legal consequences regardless of their familial relationship with those involved.
DOYA News reports that the case also highlights the growing determination of Nigerian authorities to pursue not only armed terrorists but also individuals accused of providing logistical, informational, or moral support to criminal networks operating across the country. Security experts believe the verdict could serve as a deterrent to others who may be tempted to shield wanted terrorists from law enforcement agencies.
With Battujo already eliminated by security forces and two of his closest family members now convicted, authorities view the outcome as another step in the broader campaign to dismantle the structures that sustain terrorism and banditry across Nigeria. The judgment reinforces the Federal Government’s position that combating terrorism requires not only confronting armed actors in the field but also holding accountable those who knowingly assist them from behind the scenes.