Court Jails Ansaru Leader 15 Years for Illegal Mining, Terrorism Financing
The Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted and sentenced an Ansaru terrorist leader, Mahmud Usman, to 15 years’ imprisonment for his involvement in illegal mining and terrorism financing.
Usman, from Okene Local Government Area of Kogi State, pleaded guilty to charges of unlawfully mining Californium stone and channeling the proceeds toward the purchase of arms and ammunition.
During proceedings, government prosecutors urged the court to impose the maximum penalty of life imprisonment, citing the gravity of the offense and the 31 other terrorism-related charges still pending against him. They also requested that he remain in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
However, Usman’s counsel appealed for leniency, arguing that the convict was a first-time offender.
Delivering judgment, Justice Emeka Nwite sentenced Usman to 15 years in prison and ordered his continued detention in DSS custody in line with Section 438 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.
The case was adjourned to October 21, 2025, for continuation of trial on the remaining charges.
Earlier reports had revealed that Usman, alongside Abubakar Abba from Daura Local Government Area of Katsina State, is facing a 32-count charge bordering on kidnapping for ransom, acts of terrorism, illegal mining, fabrication of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and terrorism financing.
The duo was also accused of orchestrating the 2022 attack on the Nigerian Army’s Wawa Cantonment in Kainji, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, which led to heavy casualties.
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