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From Shafa’atu Suleiman, Sokoto
A High Court sitting in Sokoto State has sentenced three men, including a foreign national, to death by hanging, following their conviction on charges related to terrorism and arms proliferation.
The convicts, Yusuf Muhammad (alias Sallau), a Nigeriene, Jabbi Alhaji Yalle, and Kabiru Muhammad were apprehended June 13, 2025, by the Department of State Services Counter Terrorism Unit in connection with cross-border criminal activities bordering on arms trafficking and terrorism.
The case, marked SS/45c/2026, was presided over by Justice Muhammad Nuraddeen Bello of High Court No. 23, Sokoto.
Delivering judgment, Justice Bello found all three defendants guilty as charged and sentenced them to death by hanging. The court also ordered the forfeiture of all monetary exhibits recovered from the convicts to the Federal Government.
Meanwhile, Sokoto government has warned criminal elements that it would not underestimate any threat to the peace and security of the state, assuring residents that security agencies are fully prepared to confront and neutralise emerging dangers.
Special Adviser to Governor Ahmed Aliyu on Security Matters, retired Colonel Ahmed Usman (retd), gave the assurance while reacting to reports alleging that bandit kingpin, Bello Turji, had acquired sophisticated weapons and hired mercenaries to train his loyalists.
According to him, the government is closely monitoring security developments across the state and working in collaboration with security agencies to ensure that criminal groups do not gain any advantage.
“Security is a continuous process, and as a government, we take every intelligence report seriously.
“We are working closely with the military, police, intelligence agencies and other security formations to ensure that criminal elements do not have the opportunity to threaten the peace and stability of our state.”
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He said Governor Ahmed Aliyu has remained steadfast in his commitment to protecting lives and property since assuming office, providing sustained support to security agencies operating in the state.
The adviser said the administration had supplied operational vehicles, motorcycles, communication equipment, fuel and other logistics to strengthen security operations and improve response time to threats.
“The governor has also approved substantial financial interventions to support security operations, intelligence gathering and community-based security initiatives aimed at strengthening the fight against banditry and other criminal activities.”
According to him, these efforts have significantly improved the capacity of security personnel to respond swiftly and effectively to security challenges.
Usman stressed that criminal groups often rely on propaganda and misinformation to spread fear among citizens, urging residents not to allow such tactics to weaken their confidence in the security agencies.
“While we will never underestimate any threat, we are confident in the capacity and preparedness of our security forces to confront and neutralise criminal elements. The sustained operations being carried out by security agencies have continued to put bandits under pressure and limit their ability to operate freely.”
He called on residents to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding, while continuing to provide security agencies with credible and timely information.
“The government of Governor Ahmed Aliyu remains fully committed to providing all necessary support to ensure lasting peace, security and development across Sokoto State,” he stated.
He reiterated the state government’s determination to sustain collaboration with security agencies and other stakeholders in strengthening the state’s security architecture and safeguarding communities from criminal activities.
