A court in Busia has sentenced a man convicted of having links to the infamous militia group Al-Shabaab to 30 years in prison.
In a statement by the Office of the Director Public Prosecutions (ODDP) on Monday, June 10, Abdul Hakim was charged with collection of information to aid terrorist activities and possession of articles connected to terrorism.
"A Busia Law Court has convicted and sentenced Jackson Kanoti alias Abdul Hakim to 30 years imprisonment for the collection of information to aid terrorist activities contrary to Section 29 of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) and possession of articles connected to terrorism contrary to Section 30 of the same Act," read part of the statement.
According to the ODPP, the prosecution gave testimonial and digital evidence that demonstrated that the accused person was actively subscribed to social media platforms where he could receive live updates on terrorism attacks and terrorism-related activities around the world.
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The accused was also in possession of materials that he utilized for radicalization and recruitment of youth into the outlawed terrorist sects.
"The evidence also revealed that the accused was a subscriber to terror links, namely ISIS Congo 1, Al-Shabaab, and other terror-affiliated networks. The court also took judicial notice of incriminating materials recovered from the accused's possession that were utilized for radicalization and recruitment of youth into outlawed terrorist outfits," the ODPP added.
The magistrate presiding over the matter deemed the prosecution's evidence credible, substantial and consistent, thereby eliminating any reasonable doubt regarding the accused person’s culpability.
"As the nation persists in its unwavering campaign to counter terrorist threats, this legal determination serves as an unequivocal notice that perpetrators of such egregious offenses shall be held criminally culpable," the ODPP remarked.
