DSS seeks death penalty for convicted Ansaru commanders, challenges life sentence
The Department of State Services (DSS) is set to challenge the life imprisonment handed to two convicted Ansaru terrorist commanders, arguing that the sentence does not adequately reflect the severity of their crimes.
The Federal High Court in Abuja sentenced Mahmud Usman, also known as Abu Bara'a, the self-proclaimed Emir of Ansaru, and Abubakar Abba, alias Mahmud al-Nigeri, to life imprisonment after both men pleaded guilty to 32 terrorism-related charges.
According to a senior DSS official, the Service will appeal the judgment and seek the maximum punishment, alleging that the two men played key roles in the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire, Oyo State, where their release was reportedly demanded in exchange for the hostages.
The DSS further alleged that two teachers were killed during the captivity in an attempt to pressure the government, maintaining that a harsher sentence is necessary to deliver justice for the victims and their families.
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