Three terrorism-related convictions are heading for fresh legal scrutiny as the Department of State Services (DSS), prepares to challenge the sentences handed to the suspects.
The DSS is appealing the jail terms, arguing that the punishments do not reflect the severity of the offences.
A security source said the agency is dissatisfied with the 32-year and 10-year sentences imposed by a Federal High Court in Kano on Jamilu Ibrahim and Rayya Haruna.
The DSS is also challenging the 10-year prison term handed by a Katsina State High Court to the 80-year-old village head of Salihawa in Safana Local Government Area, Audu Adamu Tubali.
According to the source, Ibrahim and Haruna were arrested by DSS operatives over alleged involvement in terrorism-related activities, while Tubali was detained after security officials reportedly recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition from him.
Prosecutors told the court that Ibrahim was found with four Rocket Propelled Grenades and 832 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition allegedly intended for delivery to a Katsina-based bandit kingpin identified as Karami.
The DSS is now seeking a review of the sentences, insisting that stronger penalties are needed in terrorism-related cases.
