Katsina court jails Muhammed, Mamman 20 years for terrorism

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

The Nigeria Police Force has secured the conviction of two men for terrorism-related offences following their prosecution over a major arms trafficking operation in Katsina State, reinforcing its resolve to ensure criminal investigations end in successful prosecution and justice.

The convicts, Abdussalam Muhammad and Aminu Mamman, were sentenced after the Federal High Court sitting in Katsina found them guilty on all counts in a case bordering on unlawful possession and transportation of prohibited firearms, terrorism financing and acts preparatory to terrorism.

The police said the convictions stemmed from an operation carried out by operatives of the Katsina State Police Command in September 2025, during which the suspects were intercepted along the Ingawa–Karkarku Road while allegedly transporting a large cache of prohibited weapons and ammunition intended for criminal elements.

Recovered from the suspects were one PKT machine gun, 230 rounds of PKT ammunition, 1,663 rounds of 7.62mm x 39mm AK-47 ammunition, as well as the vehicle used to convey the exhibits.

Following extensive investigations, the suspects were arraigned before the Federal High Court, Katsina Judicial Division, in Charge No. FHC/KT/84C/2025 on a five-count charge of criminal conspiracy, unlawful possession and transportation of prohibited firearms and ammunition, rendering support to terrorists, and acts preparatory to terrorism, contrary to the provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Firearms Act.

During the trial, prosecutors presented witnesses and tendered documentary and material exhibits linking the defendants to the offences.

After evaluating the evidence, the court convicted both men on all five counts.

Each convict was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment on Count One and 20 years’ imprisonment on each of Counts Two to Five.

Reacting to the judgment, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, commended the investigators and prosecution team for what he described as their professionalism, diligence and commitment, which culminated in the successful conviction.

The IGP reaffirmed the Force’s determination to combat terrorism, curb the illicit proliferation of arms and ammunition, and ensure that individuals involved in activities threatening Nigeria’s national security are identified, prosecuted and brought to justice.