…moves to appeal life sentences for two convicted terrorist leaders

…says punishment does not fit gravity of offences

By Luminous Jannamike

ABUJA — The Department of State Services, DSS, says it will appeal the life sentences imposed on two senior commanders of the Ansaru terrorist group, insisting the punishment falls short of the gravity of the crimes for which they were convicted.

For the DSS, the case is about more than securing convictions. The agency says the events surrounding the defendants’ eventual guilty pleas and the killing of two teachers abducted during the Oriire school attack highlight why it believes a stiffer sentence is warranted in the interest of justice.