The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has sentenced a former senatorial candidate in Borno State, Babagana Habeeb, to 10 years imprisonment for aiding terrorist activities.
Habeeb was convicted on Friday, April 19, 2026, by Justice Peter Lifu on a one-count charge of aiding and abetting terrorism filed by the Federal Government.
During proceedings, the court heard that the convict, a fuel dealer based in Maiduguri, admitted to selling petrol to members of Boko Haram, although he claimed the transactions were sometimes conducted by his attendants without his direct involvement.
He pleaded for leniency, telling the court that he had already spent over 10 years in detention awaiting trial and had been unable to maintain contact with his family during the period.
However, prosecuting counsel David Kaswe opposed the plea, arguing that the fuel supplied to insurgents facilitated violent attacks that led to deaths and large-scale displacement of civilians. He urged the court to impose a stiffer penalty, stressing that terrorist operations depended heavily on logistical support such as fuel supply.
Delivering judgment, Justice Lifu held that while there was no evidence linking Habeeb directly to membership of Boko Haram or participation in combat, his actions amounted to aiding terrorism by providing essential resources to the group.
The judge also noted that the prosecution did not challenge the defendant’s claim of prolonged pre-trial detention.
He consequently sentenced Habeeb to 10 years imprisonment, effective from the date of his arrest, and ordered that he be released upon completion of his sentence. The court also directed that he undergo rehabilitation after serving his term.