A Kebbi State High Court in Birnin Kebbi has sentenced three women to 14 years’ imprisonment each for criminal conspiracy, abetment, and belonging to a gang of brigands, following a trial that exposed their alleged support to armed bandits in Shanga Local Government Area. The conviction, delivered by Justice Hassan Shehu Kuwwa on Thursday, marks a significant legal step in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to combat rural insecurity and criminal networks. The women, identified as Jamila Sule, Ramatu Habibu, and Zara’u Abdulkarim, were found guilty under the Kebbi State Penal Code Law, 2021, after being charged with aiding armed bandits through the supply of food, drinks, and Indian hemp.
The prosecution alleged that the offences occurred on December 14, 2023, at Sabon Gari Hills Forest in Shanga Local Government Area. According to the charges, the defendants provided essential supplies to armed bandits operating in the region, thereby facilitating their criminal activities. The court admitted the women’s recorded statements—initially in English and later translated into Hausa—as key exhibits during the trial. These statements, along with other evidence, formed the basis of the conviction.
Justice Kuwwa, in delivering judgment, stated that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt against the second, third, and fourth defendants. He emphasized that the evidence clearly showed their involvement in supporting the bandits, which constitutes a serious breach of public safety and criminal law. However, the judge acquitted the first defendant, Aisha Abubakar, ruling that the evidence presented was insufficient to establish her guilt. The court ordered her discharge and acquittal, highlighting the importance of due process and burden of proof in criminal trials.
The sentencing of Jamila Sule, Ramatu Habibu, and Zara’u Abdulkarim sends a strong message to individuals who may be involved in aiding criminal gangs, particularly in rural communities where insecurity remains a persistent challenge. The Kebbi State government has consistently emphasized the need to dismantle support systems that enable banditry and other forms of organized crime. This case underscores the judiciary’s role in upholding the rule of law, even in areas affected by widespread insecurity.
The trial and sentencing have drawn attention to the broader issue of civilian complicity in criminal networks across northern Nigeria. While the court’s decision is a legal milestone, it also raises questions about the root causes of such involvement, including poverty, lack of education, and limited access to economic opportunities. As security agencies continue their operations, the judiciary’s firm stance may deter others from engaging in similar acts of support.
This case is expected to influence future prosecutions in Kebbi and other states grappling with similar security threats. It reinforces the government’s commitment to holding all individuals accountable, regardless of their gender or social status, for actions that undermine national security.
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