Fueling Terror: Court Jails Ex-Borno Senatorial Candidate 10 Years for Aiding Boko Haram

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has sentenced a former senatorial candidate in Borno State, Babagana Habeeb, to 10 years’ imprisonment for aiding and abetting terrorism through the supply of petroleum products to Boko Haram insurgents.

Delivering judgment on Friday, the presiding judge, Justice Peter Lifu, convicted Habeeb following his guilty plea to a one-count charge filed by the Federal Government.

Habeeb, a Maiduguri-based fuel dealer, admitted during proceedings that petroleum products from his filling station were supplied to insurgents operating in the North-East, although he claimed the transactions may have been carried out by station attendants without his direct involvement.

In an emotional appeal for leniency, the defendant knelt in the dock, informing the court that he had spent over 10 years in detention without contact with his family. He added that he is a father of six with two wives who depend on him.

Counsel to the Federal Government, David Kaswe, opposed the plea for mercy, urging the court to impose a stiffer penalty. He argued that the provision of fuel significantly enhanced the operational capacity of the insurgents, enabling attacks and facilitating their escape. Kaswe specifically pressed for a 20-year jail term.

In his ruling, Justice Lifu held that there was no evidence before the court linking Habeeb to active membership of Boko Haram or participation in weapons training. He noted that the charge was strictly limited to the sale of fuel to the terrorist group.

The judge further observed that the prosecution did not contest the defendant’s claim of prolonged detention spanning over a decade.

Consequently, the court sentenced Habeeb to 10 years’ imprisonment, ruling that the term should take effect from the date of his arrest.

Justice Lifu also directed that the defendant be released upon completion of the sentence and recommended him for rehabilitation.