Court Proceedings & Key Date
Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, will continue the trial of two terrorism suspects, Mahmud Muhammad Usman and Abubakar Abba, on November 19.
Background of the Suspects
Usman (aka Abu Bara’a) and Abba (aka Isah Adam/Mahmud Al-Nigeri) were captured in July during a DSS-led counterterrorism operation after months of pursuit.
Both are alleged leaders of ANSARU (Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan), Nigeria’s Al-Qaeda affiliate.
Usman is described as the Emir of ANSARU, accused of coordinating nationwide sleeper cells and funding terrorism through kidnappings and robberies.
Abba, Usman’s deputy, allegedly led the “Mahmudawa” cell operating around Kainji National Park, spanning Niger, Kwara, and Benin Republic.
According to ONSA, Abba trained in Libya (2013–2015) under foreign jihadists from Egypt, Tunisia, and Algeria, specializing in weapons handling and IED fabrication.
Charges and Trial Progress
The duo face a 32-count terrorism charge.
Usman pled guilty to illegal mining and was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment.
Abba pled not guilty to all counts.
Related Prosecutions — Khalid Al-Barnawi Case
Khalid Al-Barnawi, alleged mastermind of the August 26, 2011 UN Building bombing (Abuja) that killed 20 people and injured over 70, is on trial with four others: Mohammed Bashir Saleh, Umar Mohammed Bello (aka Datti), Mohammed Salisu, and Yakubu Nuhu (aka Bello Maishayi).
The case faced delays due to legal and procedural issues, including the absence of defence counsel.
DSS requested and obtained accelerated hearing; videos of confessional statements were played during a trial-within-trial on October 23–24.
Owo Church Attack Prosecution
On August 11, DSS arraigned five men for their roles in the June 5, 2022 St. Francis Catholic Church attack, Owo, Ondo State, which left over 40 dead and 100+ injured.
The accused are Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, Al Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik, Abdulhaleem Idris, and Momoh Otuho Abubakar.
They were charged on nine counts (FHC/ABJ/CR/301/2025) for alleged membership in Al Shabab (Kogi cell) and for religiously motivated terrorism.
All pleaded not guilty; bail was denied on September 10, as Justice Nwite held the offences were capital in nature and the defendants likely to jump bail.
Benue Yelwata Massacre Trials
Linked to the June 13, 2025 Yelwata massacre (Guma LGA, Benue State) that killed dozens and injured 107.
Following President Tinubu’s visit and IGP Egbetokun’s announcement of 26 arrests, the DSS filed terrorism-related charges against nine suspects in August 2025.
Two fugitives — Haruna Adamu and Muhammad Abdullahi (Awe LGA, Nasarawa State) — were charged with four counts of concealing attack information.
Other defendants include Musa Beniyon, Bako Malowa, Ibrahim Tunga, Asara Ahnadu, Legu Musa, Adamu Yale, Boddi Ayuba, and Pyeure Damina.
Two others, Terkende Ashuwa and Amos Alede (Guma LGA), face reprisal attack charges in a separate trial before Justice Nwite.
All pleaded not guilty; trials are ongoing.
DSS Statement (Tosin Ajayi, DG)
The DSS has been consistent in prosecuting terrorism suspects and ensuring accountability within the rule of law.
Ajayi emphasized that the current defendants are distinct from the hundreds held under military custody overseen by the Attorney General’s Office.
He noted that 125 terrorists were convicted in July 2024, underscoring ongoing judicial efforts against terrorism.
Ajayi reaffirmed DSS commitment to maintaining peace and justice through lawful prosecution of terror perpetrators.
Overall Insight
The DSS’ update demonstrates a broad, multi-front judicial offensive against terrorism in Nigeria — spanning Al-Qaeda-linked networks (ANSARU), local jihadist groups (Al Shabab cells), and mass violence cases (Yelwata, Owo) — with courts now accelerating trials to strengthen accountability and national security.
