The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced two women linked to the late terrorist kingpin, Kachallah Ibrahim Battujo, to 40 years imprisonment for terrorism-related offences.

The convicts, Safiya Salihu and Halima Abdullahi, who are the mother and sister of the slain terrorist leader, were arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) and prosecuted on terrorism charges.

Justice Hauwa Joseph Yilwa delivered the judgment on Friday after both women pleaded guilty to Counts 2, 4, and 5 of a five-count charge filed by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation.

Battujo, a notorious bandit leader, was reportedly killed by Nigerian security forces on June 10, 2026, during an operation in a forest near Iluke in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

According to court documents, the two women admitted to aiding and abetting Battujo’s activities by relaying information to him through telephone conversations. The court held that their actions violated provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

Safiya Salihu also pleaded guilty to concealing information about her son’s terrorism-related activities, while Halima Abdullahi admitted to withholding information regarding firearms illegally acquired by her brother after visiting his forest camp.

The prosecution, led by Director of Public Prosecutions Oyedepo Rotimi (SAN), requested the court to strike out Counts 1 and 3, which accused the women of receiving funds and sponsorship derived from terrorism proceeds. The court granted the request.

Although each count carries a 20-year prison term, Justice Yilwa ordered that the sentences run concurrently, resulting in a total prison term of 40 years. The court further directed that both convicts undergo rehabilitation after serving their sentences.

The judgment marks another significant step in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and hold accountable those who support or facilitate terrorist activities.