Abuja Court Jails Mother, Sister of Slain Terror Kingpin Battujo for 20 Years Each
The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced the mother and sister of slain terrorist leader Kachallah Ibrahim Battujo to 20 years imprisonment each after they pleaded guilty to terrorism-related offences.
Global Mirror News gathered that the convicts, Safiya Salihu and Halima Abdullahi, were prosecuted following investigations by the Department of State Services (DSS) into the activities and support network of Battujo, a notorious terrorist commander who was killed by Nigerian security forces during a military operation in a forest near Iluke, Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State on June 10, 2026.
Justice Hauwa Joseph Yilwa delivered the judgment on Friday, June 19, 2026, after both women admitted guilt to several charges brought against them by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation.
According to court proceedings, the women pleaded guilty to charges relating to aiding and supporting the activities of the terrorist kingpin by relaying information to him through telephone communications. Prosecutors argued that the actions provided assistance to Battujo’s operations, contrary to the provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The court heard that Safiya Salihu, Battujo’s mother, also admitted to concealing information regarding her son’s terrorist activities. Meanwhile, Halima Abdullahi, his sister, pleaded guilty to withholding information about firearms allegedly acquired by Battujo, which she reportedly observed during a visit to his forest hideout.
Two other charges were, however, struck out by the court following an application by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Mr. Oyedepo Rotimi (SAN). The withdrawn counts alleged that the women received N490,300 believed to be proceeds of terrorism and participated in a Hajj pilgrimage funded with money linked to terrorist activities.
Justice Yilwa sentenced both defendants to 20 years imprisonment on each count to which they pleaded guilty. However, the court ordered that the sentences run concurrently, meaning each woman will serve a total of 20 years in prison rather than 40 years.
The judge further directed that both convicts undergo rehabilitation programmes upon completion of their prison terms.
The conviction is being viewed as part of the Federal Government’s broader efforts to dismantle terrorist support networks and hold accountable individuals found to be aiding, financing, or concealing terrorism-related activities across the Country.
