Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Friday, sentenced a former senatorial candidate from Borno State, Babagana Habeeb, to 10 years imprisonment for aiding terrorism.
The judge convicted Habeeb on a one-count charge of aiding, and abetting terrorism filed by the Federal Government.
The federal government alleged that the convict aided the terror activities by supplying petroleum products to insurgents.
Habeeb, a fuel dealer based in Maiduguri, pleaded guilty during arraignment for selling fuel in the North-East.
He, however, claimed that his station attendants might have conducted the transactions without his direct involvement.
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During proceedings, the convict pleaded for leniency, knelt in the dock and appealed to the judge for mercy.
Habeeb said he had two wives and six children and had been in detention for over 10 years without any contact with his family.
The prosecuting counsel, Mr. David Kaswe, opposed the plea and argued that the support enabled attacks that caused deaths and displacements.
Kaswe urged the court to impose a 20-year sentence despite the convict’s prolonged detention.
He maintained that fuel supplies facilitated the insurgents’ mobility during attacks and their escape into remote areas.
Justice Lifu held that there was no evidence linking Habeeb to membership or training within the terrorist group.
The judge noted that the sole offence established against him was the sale of fuel to insurgents.
He also observed that the prosecution did not dispute the claim of prolonged detention.
Justice Lifu consequently sentenced Habeeb to 10 years imprisonment.
He ordered that the sentence should take effect from the date of his arrest and detention.
The judge further directed that the convict be released immediately after signing his release warrant to enable rehabilitation.
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