The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday sentenced Mahmud Usman, a commander of the proscribed terrorist group Ansaru, to 15 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to charges related to illegal mining.
Justice Emeka Nwite delivered the judgement, stating that the proceeds from the illegal mining operations were used to finance terrorist activities and kidnappings. Following the conviction, the court also ordered Usman to be remanded in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) pending the outcome of 31 additional charges still pending against him.
The case was adjourned to October 21 for further trial.
Usman and another suspect, Abubakar Abba, are facing a 32-count charge filed by the DSS, accusing them of participating in multiple acts of terrorism.
Prosecutors allege that in 2022, both men were involved in several violent attacks, including the assault on the Nigerian Army’s Wawa Cantonment in Kainji, New Bussa, Niger State, which led to numerous casualties.
They are also believed to have orchestrated the July 2022 attack on Kuje Correctional Facility, which led to the escape of over 600 inmates.
Court documents revealed that the duo received training in firearms handling and improvised explosive device (IED) manufacturing at various terrorist camps and also underwent combat training from a militant group based in Mali.
Other alleged offences include:
- Plotting an attack on a uranium facility in the Republic of Niger
- The 2013 kidnapping of French engineer Francis Collomp
- The 2019 abduction of Alhaji Musa Umar Uba, Magajin Garin Daura
- Several incidents of armed robbery and kidnapping for ransom
The case remains under prosecution as investigations into other related charges continue.
