A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced Muhammad Sani to 20 years in prison for concealing information about an alleged notorious bandit, Danranmi, whose escape was linked to Sani's failure to alert security agencies.
Justice Nwite delivered the judgment on Monday after finding Sani guilty on Counts One and Two of a four-count charge under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022.
According to the charges, Sani and Danranmi "did conspire amongst yourselves to conceal information that Danranmi is a notorious bandit who supplies arms and ammunition to kidnappers and bandits in and around Niger State."
The court also found that Sani had information about Danranmi but "failed to disclose such information to any law enforcement or security officer as soon as reasonably practicable," even though it "would have been of material assistance in securing his apprehension."
Prosecutors also accused Sani of receiving ₦580,000 from Danranmi to buy 150 rounds of ammunition from a man identified as "Chairman," believing the ammunition would be used to commit offences under the terrorism law.
Those allegations formed Counts Three and Four of the charge.
Justice Nwite sentenced Sani to 20 years' imprisonment without the option of a fine on Counts One and Two.
The sentences will run from 11th January 2023, the date of his arrest.
He will serve the prison term at the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja.
A security source said the conviction "is part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to prosecute those who enable banditry and terrorism financing by withholding useful intelligence around the country."
Danranmi remains at large.
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