Court Sentences Arms Courier, Halima Umar To 20 Years In Prison For Illegal Ammunition Possession, Terrorism Support

A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced a woman, Halima Haliru Umar, to 20 years’ imprisonment after she was found guilty of unlawful possession of 302 rounds of AK-47 ammunition and attempting to support acts of terrorism.

Justice Hauwa Yilwa delivered the judgment following Umar’s arraignment and guilty plea on two counts contained in a four-count charge filed by the Department of State Services (DSS).

According to court proceedings, Umar was arrested in Plateau State with the ammunition and later charged for offences relating to terrorism financing and illegal possession of firearms.

During her arraignment on March 11, she pleaded guilty to counts three and four of the charge sheet, which bordered on possession of prohibited ammunition and providing support for terrorist activities.

The prosecution reviewed the facts of the case following her plea, after which the court adjourned for judgment on the counts she admitted.

Delivering judgment, Justice Yilwa noted that the defendant had voluntarily pleaded guilty to the charges without contesting the facts presented by the prosecution.

The judge further held that by her plea, Umar effectively admitted all material facts of the prosecution’s case and did not present any evidence in her defence.

She was consequently convicted and sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment.

The court’s decision underscores the judiciary’s continued stance on strict punishment for offences linked to terrorism and illegal arms possession, particularly in cases involving security threats.

Security agencies have intensified efforts in recent years to curb arms trafficking and terrorism-related activities across the country, with several suspects facing prosecution in various courts.

The conviction adds to a growing list of terrorism-related sentences handed down by Nigerian courts as authorities move to strengthen national security and deter criminal networks involved in violent extremism.