Court Jails Terror Kingpin Battujo’s Mother, Sister 40 Years for Supporting Bandit Operations
A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced two women linked to slain terrorist kingpin Ibrahim Battujo to 40 years imprisonment for their involvement in terrorism-related activities.
Justice Hauwa Yilwa convicted Safiya Salihu and Halima Abdullahi, identified as the mother and sister of the late bandit leader, after they pleaded guilty to charges bordering on aiding terrorism and concealing information about criminal activities.
The women were arrested by the Department of State Services following investigations into the activities of Battujo, who was killed by security forces in Kogi State on June 10, 2026.
According to the prosecution, both women aided the operations of the notorious bandit by passing information to him through telephone conversations. Safiya also admitted concealing information about her son’s terrorist activities, while Halima confessed to withholding information about firearms she saw during a visit to her brother’s forest camp.
Although they were discharged on two counts relating to proceeds of terrorism, the court found them guilty on the remaining charges and imposed 20 years imprisonment on each count. Justice Yilwa ordered that the sentences run concurrently and directed that both convicts undergo rehabilitation after serving their terms.