Man Jailed 20 Years for Aiding Notorious Bandit’s Escape, Hiding Intelligence from Security Agencies

A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced one Muhammad Sani to 20 years imprisonment for conspiring to conceal information about a notorious bandit, Danranmi, which led to his escape.

Sani, a resident of Nabi Village, Shiroro Local Government Area, Niger State, was convicted on two counts of a four-count charge bordering on terrorism-related offences.

The court found him guilty of failing to disclose information about Danranmi, who supplies arms and ammunition to kidnappers and bandits in and around Niger State.

In Count One, Sani was charged with conspiracy to conceal information about Danranmi’s criminal activities, an offence contrary to the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022.

In Count Two, he was charged with having information that would have been of material assistance in securing Danranmi’s apprehension but failing to disclose it to law enforcement.

Justice Nwite sentenced Sani to 20 years imprisonment without an option of fine on Count One and Count Two, with the sentence to take effect from his date of arrest on January 11, 2023. He is to serve the term at the Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja.

The conviction highlights ongoing efforts by security agencies to prosecute those who enable banditry and terrorism financing by withholding useful intelligence.