Saturday, April 11, 2026 - 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, April 19, 2026 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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