The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has sentenced a former senatorial candidate in Borno State, Babagana Habeeb, to 10 years imprisonment for aiding terrorists.
Habeeb was convicted on Friday by Justice Peter Lifu on a one-count charge of aiding and abetting terrorism, filed against him by the Federal Government.
The court heard that the convict, a fuel dealer based in Maiduguri, admitted to selling petrol to members of Boko Haram, though he claimed the transactions may have been carried out by his attendants.
During proceedings, Habeeb pleaded for leniency, stating that he had already spent over 10 years in detention and had been unable to communicate with his family during that period.
However, prosecuting counsel, David Kaswe, opposed the plea, arguing that the fuel supplied to the insurgents enabled deadly attacks that resulted in loss of lives and widespread displacement.
Kaswe urged the court to impose a stiffer penalty, noting that the activities of the terrorists relied heavily on such logistical support.
In his judgment, Justice Lifu held that there was no evidence linking the convict to membership of Boko Haram or direct involvement in combat activities, but affirmed that selling fuel to the group constituted aiding terrorism.
The judge also acknowledged that the prosecution did not dispute the defendant’s claim of prolonged detention.
Consequently, the court sentenced Habeeb to 10 years imprisonment, ruling that the term would take effect from the date of his arrest.
Justice Lifu further ordered that the convict be released immediately upon completion of the sentence, with a directive for him to undergo rehabilitation.
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