- The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced Muhammad Sani to 20 years in prison for deliberately hiding information about wanted bandit kingpin, Danranmi.
- Justice Emeka Nwite handed down a concurrent 20-year sentence on two counts of terrorism-related offenses, ordering the convict to serve his term at Kuje Prison.
- Sani was found guilty of failing to report Danranmi’s locations and attempting to broker a ₦580,000 transaction for 150 rounds of ammunition.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced Muhammad Sani to 20 years’ imprisonment for deliberately concealing critical information regarding a notorious bandit kingpin, Danranmi.
Eko Hot Blog reports that this action actively enabled the dangerous criminal to evade security agents and continue operations.
EDITOR’S PICK
- Why Africa Still Cannot Win the FIFA World Cup Despite Its World Class Talent
- Man Allegedly Slits Father’s Throat, Mutilates Body in Anambra
- Lagos Court Convicts Director, Company Over N822.4m Fraudulent Conversion
Delivering the judgment, Justice Emeka Nwite found Sani guilty on counts one and two of a terrorism-related charge initiated by the Department of State Services (DSS).
The judge subsequently sentenced the convict to 20 years on each count, explicitly ruling out any option of a fine.
The sentences are to run concurrently from January 11, 2023, the date Sani was first taken into custody, and the convict will serve his term at the Kuje Custodial Centre in Abuja.
Sani, who resides in Nabi Village, located within the Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, a region that has faced persistent attacks from armed groups, was tried under the strict provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The DSS prosecuted him on a four-count charge involving conspiracy, withholding vital intelligence on a suspected terrorist, and participating in the procurement of live ammunition.
The prosecution team detailed how Sani maintained close ties with Danranmi, who remains at large.
Sani allegedly conspired with the fugitive to keep his identity, movements, and criminal actions hidden from security forces, despite knowing that Danranmi was a heavily armed bandit actively supplying weaponry to various kidnapping rings operating across Niger State.
Beyond merely withholding information, the court heard how Sani was actively integrated into the gang’s supply chains.
The DSS presented evidence showing Sani had conspired with the fugitive to process a ₦580,000 payment to a weapons dealer identified only as “Chairman.”
This transaction was meant to procure 150 rounds of ammunition, with the clear understanding that the material would be used to execute violent raids and terror operations.
In his final ruling, Justice Nwite emphasized that harboring active terrorists and facilitating their weapons procurement undercuts national security and exposes innocent communities to extreme violence.
The 20-year prison sentence is intended to serve as a strong warning against aiding or abetting criminal elements.
