Mother, Sister of Slain Terror Kingpin Battujo Bang 40Years imprisonment

Two women linked to terrorism offences have been sentenced by a Federal High Court in Abuja to 40 years imprisonment following their prosecution by the State Security Services, SSS.

The convicts, Safiya Salihu and Halima Abdullahi, identified as the mother and sister of slain terror kingpin Kachallah Ibrahim Battujo, were found guilty of terrorism-related offences after pleading guilty to multiple charges.

Battujo, a notorious bandit leader, was reportedly killed by Nigerian security forces on June 10, 2026, during an operation in a forest near Iluke in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

Delivering judgment, Justice Hauwa Joseph Yilwa convicted both women on Counts 2, 4, and 5 of a five-count charge filed by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation.

The charges centered on aiding and supporting Battujo’s criminal operations, including passing sensitive information to him through telephone communications and withholding critical intelligence that could have led to his arrest.

However, the court struck out Counts 1 and 3 after the Director of Public Prosecution, Oyedepo Rotimi, SAN, applied for their withdrawal.

These counts involved allegations that the women received ₦490,300 believed to be proceeds of terrorism and accepted sponsorship for the Hajj pilgrimage using funds linked to terrorist activities.

According to the prosecution, both defendants knowingly assisted Battujo by providing information that aided his operations, an offence punishable under Section 26 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

Safiya Salihu was additionally convicted for concealing information about her son’s terrorist activities, while Halima Abdullahi was found guilty of failing to report knowledge of firearms allegedly possessed by her brother during visits to his forest hideout.

Justice Yilwa sentenced each convict to 20 years imprisonment on each count but ordered that the terms run concurrently, resulting in an effective 20-year custodial sentence each.

The court also directed that both women undergo rehabilitation after serving their jail terms.