By Imisioluwa Afunmiso
A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced Muhammad Sani to 20 years imprisonment for concealing information about a notorious bandit identified as Danranmi, whose activities allegedly involved supplying arms and ammunition to kidnappers and bandits operating in Niger State.
Justice Emeka Nwite handed down the sentence after convicting Sani on two counts bordering on terrorism-related offences under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The court heard that Sani, a resident of Nabi Village in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, conspired with Danranmi, who is currently at large, to conceal information about the fugitive despite knowing he was allegedly involved in supplying arms and ammunition to criminal groups.
According to the charge, the offence was committed on January 9, 2023, in Lafia, Nasarawa State.
The prosecution also established that Sani had information capable of aiding the arrest of Danranmi but failed to disclose it to security agencies or any law enforcement officer as required by law.
The four-count charge further alleged that Sani and the fleeing suspect conspired to receive N580,000 for the purchase of 150 rounds of ammunition from a supplier identified as “Chairman,” with reasonable grounds to believe the ammunition would be used to commit offences under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act.
Justice Nwite, however, convicted Sani on Counts One and Two, which relate to conspiracy to conceal information about a terrorism suspect and failure to disclose information that could have aided the suspect’s arrest.
The court sentenced him to 20 years imprisonment on each of the two counts without an option of fine. The sentences are to run concurrently and take effect from January 11, 2023, the date of his arrest.
The judge also ordered that Sani serve his jail term at the Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja.
A security source described the conviction as part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to ensure that individuals who aid banditry and terrorism through concealment of intelligence or other forms of support are brought to justice.