Court Sentences Suspect to 40 Years

The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced Sunday Frank, an alleged informant for the late Benue militia leader Terwase Akwaza, also known as Gana, to 40 years’ imprisonment for providing information about the movements of security operatives.

Justice Hawa Yilwa delivered the judgment on Thursday, October 22, 2026, after Frank pleaded guilty to the charge relating to his role as an informant.

Frank, who is from Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State, was arrested in 2022 and prosecuted by the Federal Government in a four-count charge under the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022.

Convict Allegedly Monitored Security Agents

According to the prosecution, Frank monitored the movements of security personnel and relayed the information to Gana. His alleged activities covered parts of Benue and Taraba states.

During the proceedings, a prosecution witness identified only as “AAA” told the court that Frank had confessed to being an informant for the late militia leader.

The witness said the defendant made both oral and written statements during investigations. The court admitted his statement and an investigation report as evidence.

Three Abduction Charges Struck Out

The Federal Government also accused Frank of involvement in abduction, including an allegation that he kidnapped a man identified as Samuel in 2022 and held him until a ransom of ₦40,000 was paid.

Frank denied the first three counts, which related to the alleged abductions, but pleaded guilty to the fourth count concerning the provision of information to Gana.

Following his plea, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, applied for the three counts Frank denied to be struck out. The court granted the application.

Fagbemi urged the court to impose a substantial sentence, arguing that providing intelligence on security personnel’s movements posed a serious threat to their safety.

The defence counsel, Y.Y. Shullai of the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, did not oppose the prosecution’s submissions on sentencing.

Court Orders Rehabilitation After Prison Term

Justice Yilwa sentenced Frank to 40 years’ imprisonment, effective from the date of his arrest.

The court also ordered that he undergo a rehabilitation and deradicalisation programme after completing his prison term.

The case forms part of the ongoing mass trial of suspects facing terrorism-related charges in Nigeria.

Who Was Terwase Akwaza, Also Known as Gana?

Gana was a prominent militia leader in Benue State whose activities were linked to violence and insecurity in parts of the state. He was killed by security operatives in September 2020 while travelling in a convoy following a reported surrender under a state amnesty initiative.

His death followed years of conflict involving his group and security agencies.