The court sentenced the former senatorial candidate to 10 years in prison for aiding terrorists

Judge Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Friday, sentenced former senatorial candidate from Borno State, Babagana Habeeb, to 10 years imprisonment for aiding terrorism.

The judge convicted Habeeb of one count of aiding and abetting terrorism brought by the Federal Government.

The federal government alleged that the convict aided terror activities by supplying petroleum products to the rebels.

Habeeb, a Maiduguri-based fuel trader, pleaded guilty in arraignment to selling fuel in the North East.

However, he claims that his station officials may have carried out the transactions without his direct involvement.

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During the trial, the convict begged for leniency, kneeling on the judge’s chair and begging the judge for mercy.

Habeeb said he had two wives and six children and had been detained for more than 10 years without any contact with his family.

The prosecutor, David Kaswe, opposed the application and argued that the support enabled the attacks that led to deaths and displacement.

Kaswe urged the court to impose a sentence of 20 years in prison despite the convict being detained for a long time.

He stated that the fuel supply facilitated the insurgents’ mobility during attacks and their escape to remote areas.

Judge Lifu held that there was no evidence linking Habeeb to membership or training in a terrorist group.

The judge noted that the only offense against him was selling fuel to rebels.

He also observed that prosecutors did not dispute claims of prolonged detention.

Judge Lifu then sentenced Habeeb to 10 years in prison.

He ordered that the sentence take effect from the date of his arrest and detention.

The judge further directed that the convict be released immediately after signing his release order to enable rehabilitation.