A Kebbi State High Court sitting in Birnin Kebbi has sentenced three women to 14-year imprisonment each for criminal conspiracy, abetment and belonging to a gang of brigands.
The court however discharged and acquitted the 1st defendant of all charges.
Justice Hassan Shehu Kuwwa held that the prosecution discharged the burden of proof beyond reasonable doubt against the 2nd, 3rd and 4th defendants, but failed to establish a prima facie case against the 1st defendant, Aisha Abubakar.
The accused persons, Aisha Abubakar, Jamila Sule, Ramatu Habibu and Zara’u AbdulKarim, were arraigned on 24th November, 2025, on a three-count charge of criminal conspiracy contrary to Section 60(1), abetment, contrary to Section 48, and belonging to a gang of brigands contrary to Section 292 of the Kebbi State Penal Code Law, 2021.
The prosecution alleged that on the 14th of December, 2023, at Sabon Gari Hills Forest, Shanga local government area, the defendants aided and abetted armed bandits by supplying them with Indian hemp, foodstuffs and soft drinks.
The exhibits, comprising the defendants’ statements in English and translated into Hausa version, were admitted in evidence.
“Having carefully evaluated the evidence on record, I find that the prosecution has failed to prove counts 1, 2 and 3 beyond reasonable doubt against the 1st defendant, Aisha Abubakar.
“Consequently, she is found not guilty on all counts and is hereby discharged and acquitted, she is to be released forthwith unless held on other lawful grounds,” Justice Kuwwa said.
The court found the 2nd defendant, Jamila Sule, the 3rd defendant, Ramatu Habibu, and the 4th defendant, Zara’u Abdulkarim, culpable on all counts.
“All are accordingly convicted,” the court held.