The Department of State Services (DSS) is preparing to appeal the life sentences imposed on two senior commanders of the Ansaru terrorist group by the Federal High Court in Abuja, arguing that the punishment does not reflect the gravity of their alleged crimes.
Justice Emeka Nwite on Monday sentenced Mahmud Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a, Abbas and Mukhtar, described by prosecutors as the self-styled Emir of Ansaru, and Abubakar Abba, also known as Mahmud al-Nigeri and Malam Mamuda, to life imprisonment after both defendants pleaded guilty to all 32 counts filed against them.
A senior DSS official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the Service considers the life sentences inadequate and is seeking the maximum penalty on behalf of the victims, particularly two teachers who were killed during the Oriire abduction in Oyo State.
According to the official, investigators observed a dramatic shift in the defendants’ legal strategy during the period when pupils and teachers from Oriire were being held captive.
“For nearly 60 days that the pupils and teachers were in captivity, the attitude of the Ansaru commanders in our custody changed. One of the key demands made by the abductors was the unconditional release of these same Ansaru commanders in exchange for the Oriire kidnap victims,” the official said.
The source further disclosed that the defendants initially pleaded not guilty to the charges but later informed the court that they were undecided on how to proceed. Justice Nwite subsequently directed them to make a final decision before Monday’s hearing.
“Following the rescue of the Oriire victims, they returned to court and pleaded guilty to all the charges against them,” the official added.
The DSS official argued that the circumstances surrounding the Oriire abduction and the subsequent killing of two teachers warranted a stiffer punishment.
“The terrorists beheaded the two Oriire teachers in an attempt to pressure the government into releasing these Ansaru commanders. Allowing the convicts to serve life sentences alone, in our view, does not sufficiently serve the cause of justice for the victims and their families,” the official said.
The DSS is expected to file its notice of appeal, seeking a review of the sentence and urging the appellate court to impose what it considers the appropriate maximum penalty under the law.