DSS Arrest Leads to 20-year Jail Term for Man who Shielded Notorious Bandit “Danranmi”

● Federal High convicts Niger State man for concealing terror intelligence and aiding ammunition purchase

A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced Muhammad Sani to 20 years imprisonment for shielding information about a notorious bandit leader and helping to facilitate the purchase of ammunition for criminal gangs operating across Niger State.

Justice Emeka Nwite handed down the sentence on Monday after finding Sani, of Nabi Village in Shiroro Local Government Area, Niger State, guilty on two counts of terrorism-related offences. The sentence will run from the date of his arrest, January 11, 2023, and he will serve it at the Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja.

—The Case—

Sani was arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services, DSS, following intelligence linking him to Danranmi, an alleged arms supplier to kidnappers and bandits in Niger State and its environs. Danranmi remains at large.

The prosecution, acting under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022, filed a four-count charge against Sani.

Count 1: Conspiracy to Conceal Information

The court heard that on or about January 9, 2023, in Lafia, Nasarawa State, Sani and Danranmi conspired to conceal material information that Danranmi was a notorious bandit who supplied arms and ammunition to kidnappers and bandits. The offence is contrary to Section 26(1) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022.

Count 2: Failure to Disclose Information

Sani was also found to have had credible information that would have assisted security agencies in apprehending Danranmi, but failed to disclose it to any law enforcement officer “as soon as reasonably practicable.” This is an offence under Section 16(1)(b) of the same Act.

Counts 3 & 4: Conspiracy and Receipt of Funds for Ammunition

The other two counts alleged that Sani conspired with, and personally received, N580,000 from Danranmi for the purchase of 150 rounds of ammunition from an individual identified only as “Chairman.” Prosecutors told the court Sani had reasonable grounds to believe the ammunition would be used to commit terrorism offences, contrary to Sections 26(1) and 21 of the Act.

Justice Nwite convicted Sani on Counts 1 and 2 and sentenced him to 20 years imprisonment on each count, to run concurrently. No option of fine was given.

—“No Safe Haven for Enablers”—

A security source told reporters that the conviction underscores a shift in the government’s counter-terrorism strategy — from targeting only foot soldiers to prosecuting civilians and collaborators who enable banditry through silence and logistics support.

“This conviction is part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to prosecute those who enable banditry and terrorism financing by withholding useful intelligence around the country,” the source said.

The judge noted that concealing information about terrorists is itself a crime that costs lives, and that communities in Shiroro, Birnin Gwari, and other hotspots have suffered directly from the weapons and funding such networks provide.

—What Happens Next—

With Danranmi still at large, the DSS said manhunt operations are ongoing across Niger, Nasarawa and Kaduna states. The court also entered the case file as evidence for any future prosecution of the fleeing suspect.

Legal analysts say the judgement sends a clear signal under the 2022 Terrorism Act: failing to report known terrorists, or providing them financial and material support, attracts the same weight of punishment as direct participation.