A former senatorial candidate in Borno State, Babagana Habeeb, has been sentenced to 10 years imprisonment by the Federal High Court in Abuja for supplying petrol to Boko Haram terrorists.
The conviction was delivered by Justice Peter Lifu on a one count charge of aiding and abetting terrorism, filed by the Federal Government.
Habeeb, a fuel dealer based in Maiduguri, had admitted during trial that petrol was sold to the террорист group, although he claimed the transactions may have been carried out by his attendants.
During the proceedings, the convict pleaded for leniency, stating that he has two wives and six children, and had spent over 10 years in detention without contact with his family.
Counsel to the Federal Government, David Kaswe, opposed the plea, arguing that the support provided to the terrorists contributed to loss of lives and widespread destruction. He urged the court to impose a 20 year sentence.
In his judgment, Justice Lifu noted that there was no evidence linking Habeeb directly to membership of Boko Haram or weapons training, stressing that the charge was limited to the sale of fuel.
The court also acknowledged that the defendant had already spent more than a decade in custody, a claim not disputed by the prosecution.
Justice Lifu subsequently sentenced him to 10 years imprisonment, ordering that the term take effect from the date of his arrest.
He further directed that the convict be released immediately upon completion of necessary formalities, to enable him undergo rehabilitation.
