A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced Mahmud Usman, a commander of the terror group Ansaru, to 15 years in prison for illegally mining Californium stone without lawful authority.
Usman, who was arraigned alongside Abubakar Abba on a 32-count charge, pleaded guilty to the count of illegal mining but denied involvement in terrorism-related offences, including kidnapping for ransom, financing terrorism, and fabricating IEDs.
Justice Emeka Nwite convicted him on the illegal mining charge and ordered his remand in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) to face trial on the remaining 31 charges.
The court heard that proceeds from the illegal mining activities were allegedly used to finance the procurement of arms and ammunition for terrorist operations.