The Federal High Court, Abuja, on Thursday sentenced Mahmud Usman, a commander of the proscribed terrorist group Ansaru, to 15 years’ imprisonment.
Justice Emeka Nwite handed down the sentence after Usman pleaded guilty to engaging in illegal mining, an activity prosecutors said funded the purchase of arms for terrorism and kidnapping.
The judge further ordered that Usman remain in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) pending the continuation of his trial on 31 other terrorism-related charges filed by the Federal Government. The matter was adjourned to October 21.
Usman and another defendant, Abubakar Abba, are standing trial on a 32-count charge bordering on terrorism, financing, and attacks against the Nigerian state.
According to prosecutors, the duo orchestrated several deadly assaults, including the 2022 attack on the Nigerian Army’s Wawa Cantonment in Kainji, Niger State, which led to mass casualties, and the July 2022 Kuje prison break, where more than 600 inmates escaped.
They were also accused of undergoing weapons and explosives training in terrorist camps, including tactical warfare training from a group based in Mali.
Other alleged crimes include:
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Plans to attack a uranium facility in Niger Republic.
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The 2013 kidnapping of French engineer Francis Collomp.
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The 2019 abduction of Alhaji Musa Umar Uba, Magajin Garin Daura.
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Multiple armed robberies and kidnappings across Nigeria.
The conviction marks the first ruling in the wide-ranging terrorism case, with more charges against Usman and Abba still pending.
