Ex-senatorial candidate gets 10-year jail term for supplying petrol to Boko Haram

A FORMER senatorial candidate in Borno State, Babagana Habeeb, has been handed a 10-year prison sentence by the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court for supplying petrol to Boko Haram insurgents.

The conviction was delivered on Friday by Justice Peter Lifu, who found Habeeb guilty on a one-count charge of aiding and abetting terrorism filed by the Nigerian government.

Habeeb, who operates as a fuel merchant in Maiduguri, had earlier admitted to selling petrol to the insurgents when he was arraigned. However, he argued that the transactions might have been carried out by attendants at his filling station.

During the proceedings, the defendant spent nearly an hour on his knees in the dock, appealing to the court for mercy. He told the judge he has two wives and six children, adding that he had been unable to communicate with his family throughout the more than 10 years he spent in detention.

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Prosecuting counsel, David Kaswe, opposed the request for leniency, stressing that the logistical support provided to the terrorist group contributed to fatalities and widespread displacement. While acknowledging the length of Habeeb’s detention, Kaswe urged the court to impose a 20-year sentence.

He argued further that the insurgents relied on fuel supplies to power motorcycles used in attacks and subsequent escapes into remote areas.

In his ruling, Justice Lifu noted that there was no proof linking Habeeb directly to Boko Haram as a member or showing he had undergone weapons training. The court held that the only established offence was the sale of petrol to the group.

The judge also observed that the prosecution did not dispute the defendant’s claim of having spent over a decade in custody prior to the judgment.

Consequently, the court sentenced Habeeb to 10 years imprisonment, ordering that the term should take effect from the date of his initial arrest and detention.

Justice Lifu further directed that the convict be released immediately upon the completion of the sentence, with arrangements made for his rehabilitation.