A former senatorial candidate in Borno State has been sentenced to prison over links to terrorism. The case has raised fresh concerns about hidden support networks aiding insurgency.
Babagana Habeeb, who contested the 2015 elections, was handed a 10-year jail term by a Federal High Court in Abuja. The conviction followed findings that he supplied fuel to Boko Haram fighters.
The ruling has drawn attention to how critical resources, such as fuel, have been used to sustain attacks in northern Nigeria.
Justice Peter Lifu, who delivered the judgment, ruled that the Federal Government had proven its case. The court found Habeeb guilty of aiding terrorism through fuel sales.
However, it was noted that Habeeb was not a member of Boko Haram and had no weapons training. The judge stressed that the conviction was based solely on the supply of fuel.
During the trial, Habeeb admitted that insurgents obtained petrol from his station. He, however, argued that the transactions were carried out by his attendants without his direct involvement.
Meanwhile, the emotional moment in court drew attention as Habeeb knelt and pleaded for mercy. He told the court about his family responsibilities.
He said he has two wives and six children who depend on him. Moreover, he revealed that he had not seen or contacted his family for over 10 years.
The prosecution strongly opposed his plea. Counsel for the Federal Government, David Kaswe, argued that the impact of his actions was severe.
Kaswe maintained that the fuel supplied enabled deadly attacks and destruction. He said such support made it easier for terrorists to operate motorcycles during assaults.
Furthermore, the prosecutor urged the court to impose a stricter punishment. A 20-year sentence was requested despite Habeeb’s long detention period.
However, the court took a different approach. It was acknowledged that Habeeb had already spent over a decade in custody before the judgment.
Therefore, Justice Lifu ordered that the 10-year sentence should count from the date of arrest. This means the term has effectively been served.
In addition, the court directed that Habeeb be released after completing necessary formalities.
