Oriire Killings: DSS To Appeal Death Penalty for Convicted Ansaru Leaders

The Department of State Services (DSS) has announced plans to challenge the life imprisonment handed to two senior commanders of the Ansaru terrorist group, arguing that the punishment falls short of reflecting the severity of their crimes, particularly the brutal killing of two teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday sentenced Mahmud Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a, Abbas or Mukhtar, who was described as the self-styled Emir of Ansaru, alongside Abubakar Abba, also known as Mahmud al-Nigeri or Malam Mamuda, to life imprisonment after both men pleaded guilty to all 32 counts filed against them.

Despite securing the convictions, the DSS expressed dissatisfaction with the sentence, saying it would appeal the judgment in pursuit of what it considers a more appropriate punishment.

A senior official of the agency said the life sentences did not adequately reflect the pain suffered by the families of the two teachers who were killed while in captivity.

According to the official, the two convicted commanders had initially indicated their willingness to plead guilty but changed course after Ansaru-linked gunmen abducted pupils and teachers in Oriire.

“For the nearly 60 days that the pupils and teachers from Oriire were held captive, 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 kidnapped victims,” the official said.

The source explained that the defendants delayed entering their pleas throughout the period of the abduction, only deciding to admit guilt after the kidnapped victims had been rescued.

“After initially pleading not guilty, the two men later informed the court they were undecided on the plea they intended to enter. Justice Nwite eventually gave them an ultimatum to make up their minds before Monday’s sitting. Following the rescue of the Oriire victims, they returned to court and pleaded guilty to all the charges,” the official added.

The DSS further alleged that the execution of the two teachers was intended to force the government into releasing the detained Ansaru leaders.

“The terrorists beheaded the two Oriire teachers to pressure the government into releasing these two Ansaru commanders. It would not serve the interest of justice for two innocent people to lose their lives in such horrific circumstances without those responsible receiving the maximum punishment allowed by law,” the official said.

The agency maintained that it would pursue an appeal in a bid to secure a stiffer sentence, insisting that justice must not only be done but also be seen to be done for the victims and their grieving families.