Court jails Battujo’s mother, sister for terrorism offences

The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced two women linked to slain terrorist kingpin, Kachallah Ibrahim Battujo, to 20 years imprisonment each for terrorism-related offences.

The convicts, Safiya Salihu and Halima Abdullahi, are the mother and sister, respectively, of Battujo, who was killed by Nigerian security forces on June 10, 2026, during an operation near Iluke in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

Justice Hauwa Joseph Yilwa handed down the sentences on Friday after both women pleaded guilty to Counts 2, 4 and 5 of a five-count charge filed by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation.

The court, however, struck out Counts 1 and 3 following an application by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Mr. Oyedepo Rotimi (SAN).

Count 2 accused the women of aiding and abetting the activities of Battujo by passing information to him through telephone conversations. The prosecution said they knowingly provided support to the terrorist leader, an offence punishable under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

Safiya also pleaded guilty to concealing information about her son’s terrorist activities, while Halima admitted concealing information about firearms allegedly acquired by her brother, which she reportedly saw during a visit to his forest camp.

Justice Yilwa sentenced both women to 20 years imprisonment on each of the counts to which they pleaded guilty. The court, however, ordered that the sentences run concurrently, meaning each convict will serve 20 years in prison.

The judge further directed that the convicts undergo rehabilitation after completing their prison terms.

The Department of State Services (DSS) had arrested the women during investigations into the activities and support network of the slain terrorist leader.

The convictions are seen as part of ongoing efforts by security agencies and the Federal Government to dismantle terrorism networks and prosecute individuals accused of aiding or concealing terrorist activities.