The Department of State Services (DSS) is set to appeal the life imprisonment handed to two top commanders of the Ansaru terror group by a Federal High Court in Abuja, describing the sentence as too lenient given the gravity of their alleged crimes.
Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Monday sentenced Mahmud Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a/Abbas/Mukhtar and self-styled Emir of Ansaru, and Abubakar Abba, also known as Mahmud al-Nigeri/Malam Mamuda, to life imprisonment after they pleaded guilty to all 32 counts preferred against them.
However, a senior DSS official told reporters that the Service will challenge the judgement, arguing that a maximum penalty is more appropriate for the offenses linked to the Ansaru leadership.
The official linked the timing of the guilty pleas to a kidnapping incident in Oriire, Oyo State.
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“For the nearly 60 days the kidnappers held the pupils and teachers of Oriire, the Ansaru commanders in our custody changed. One of the top conditions the abductors gave was the unconditional release of these same Ansaru commanders in exchange for the Oriire kidnap victims,” the official said.
According to the official, the two men initially indicated a “not guilty” plea. At the penultimate court session, he said, they told the court they were undecided. Justice Nwite then gave them an ultimatum to decide before Monday’s sitting.
“After the Oriire rescue, they came to court to plead guilty to all the charges,” he added.
The DSS argued that a life sentence does not reflect justice for the victims of the Oriire attack, during which two teachers were reportedly beheaded.
“The reason the terrorists beheaded the two Oriire teachers was to put pressure on government to release these two Ansaru commanders. It, therefore, wouldn’t be fair to see two men beheaded and their families are made to live with the losses without adequately bringing the culprits to book,” the official declared.
Ansaru, a splinter group of Boko Haram, has been linked to several kidnappings and attacks in northern and southwestern Nigeria. The DSS said it remains committed to ensuring that those responsible for terrorism and violent crimes face the full weight of the law.
Court records show that the 32-count charge against Usman and Abba bordered on terrorism, financing, and membership of a proscribed organisation.
The DSS said it has filed a notice of appeal and will be asking the appellate court to impose the maximum penalty provided under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act.
