HURIWA supports DSS appeal against life sentence for convicted Ansaru commanders, demands tougher punishment

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has thrown its support behind the decision of the Department of State Services (DSS) to appeal the life imprisonment handed to two convicted commanders of the Ansaru terrorist group, describing the judgment as inadequate considering the alleged scale of crimes linked to the organisation.

The rights group said the sentence imposed on Mahmud Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a, Abbas and Mukhtar, and his deputy, Abubakar Abba, alias Mahmud al-Nigeri (Malam Mamuda), failed to fully reflect the gravity of the 32-count terrorism charges to which the duo pleaded guilty.

HURIWA argued that the case goes beyond the conviction of two individuals, stressing that it represents the demand for justice by thousands of Nigerians affected by terrorism, including victims of insurgent attacks, displaced communities, and security personnel killed in the line of duty.

The organisation’s position follows concerns raised by the DSS that suspected kidnappers behind the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State allegedly demanded the release of the convicted Ansaru leaders as a condition for freeing their victims. The agency had stated that two teachers were killed during the hostage crisis.

HURIWA also referenced comments by former DSS Assistant Director, Dennis Amachree, who described the convicted men as senior figures within Ansaru, a group allegedly responsible for several deadly attacks in Nigeria. Amachree had alleged that the organisation documented some of its killings and used the footage to spread fear.

According to HURIWA, allegations of mass killings, attacks on civilians, and assaults on security forces demonstrate the need for punishments that match the severity of terrorism-related offences.

The group said the DSS appeal was both legally and morally justified, urging the Court of Appeal to review whether the life sentence adequately serves the principles of justice, deterrence, accountability, and national security.

“A nation battling a prolonged terrorist insurgency cannot afford uncertainty in its response to those convicted of crimes designed to spread fear through violence and murder,” HURIWA said.

The rights organisation stressed that its position was not motivated by revenge but by the need for proportional justice under Nigeria’s Constitution and anti-terrorism laws.

HURIWA urged the appellate court to prioritise the DSS appeal, arguing that the outcome would have significant implications for public confidence in Nigeria’s justice system and the country’s wider fight against terrorism.