A Federal High Court sitting in Katsina State has sentenced a female arms courier to death by hanging after finding her guilty of terrorism-related offences. The convict, identified as Hauwa'u Mukhtar, was tried in a case prosecuted by the Department of State Services, the DSS.
According to the case, Mukhtar faced charges of conspiracy to commit terrorism as well as aiding and abetting terrorism. After reviewing the evidence and testimonies presented by both sides, the court found her guilty on all the counts brought against her.
The arrest that led to the trial dates back to September 2023. Mukhtar was apprehended by DSS operatives at Jibia Motor Park, in Katsina State, while she was allegedly attempting to transport a consignment of ammunition through the location.
The quantity involved was substantial. She was said to have been carrying 438 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, the kind of military-grade rounds commonly associated with assault rifles, at the time security operatives intercepted her.
The intended destination of the ammunition formed a central part of the prosecution's case. According to the charges, Mukhtar was attempting to move the rounds to a notorious bandit leader operating in neighbouring Zamfara State, a region that has been heavily affected by armed banditry.
Having established her guilt, the judge proceeded to pass sentence. Mukhtar was condemned to death by hanging, with the court imposing the penalty in line with the provisions of the Penal Code Law of Katsina State.
The verdict adds to a series of prosecutions targeting those accused of supplying weapons and ammunition to armed groups in Nigeria's North-West. The case underscores the role that couriers are said to play in sustaining banditry, and the readiness of the courts to impose the harshest penalties on those convicted of aiding such networks.