A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced Muhammad Sani to 20 years imprisonment for concealing vital information about an alleged notorious bandit, Danranmi, whose escape was linked to Sani's failure to alert security authorities.

Justice Emeka Nwite handed down the sentence on Monday after convicting Sani on two terrorism-related charges under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

Sani, a resident of Nabi Village in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, was found guilty of conspiring to conceal information about Danranmi, who is alleged to be a major supplier of arms and ammunition to kidnappers and bandits operating across parts of Niger State.

According to the prosecution, Sani knew of Danranmi's activities and whereabouts but deliberately failed to disclose information that could have aided law enforcement agencies in apprehending the fugitive.

The court heard that on or about January 9, 2023, in Lafia, Nasarawa State, Sani conspired with the suspect, who remains at large, to suppress information regarding his involvement in terrorism-related activities.

He was also convicted for failing to report intelligence that would have materially assisted security agencies in arresting Danranmi, contrary to the provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

The prosecution further alleged that Sani received ₦580,000 from Danranmi to procure 150 rounds of ammunition from a supplier identified as "Chairman," despite having reasonable grounds to believe the ammunition would be used to facilitate acts of terrorism.

Although the four-count charge included allegations relating to the procurement of ammunition, Justice Nwite convicted Sani on Counts One and Two, which bordered on conspiracy to conceal information and failure to disclose intelligence to security agencies.

The court sentenced him to 20 years imprisonment on each of the two counts without the option of a fine. The sentences are to run from January 11, 2023, the date of his arrest.

Justice Nwite also ordered that Sani serve his jail term at the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja.

A security source described the conviction as part of ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to dismantle networks supporting banditry and terrorism by prosecuting individuals who shield suspects or withhold critical intelligence from authorities.