TERRORISM: DSS GIVES UPDATE ON PROSECUTION OF TERROR SUSPECTS

Abuja, Nigeria | November 5, 2025

The Department of State Services (DSS) has provided fresh updates on the ongoing prosecution of several high-profile terrorism suspects, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring justice and strengthening Nigeria’s internal security architecture.

On November 19, Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, is set to continue the trial of two internationally wanted terrorism suspects — Mahmud Muhammad Usman and Abubakar Abba — alleged leaders of the Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan (ANSARU), an Al-Qaeda affiliate operating in Nigeria.

Usman, known as Abu Bara’a, is said to be the self-styled Emir of ANSARU, accused of coordinating terrorist sleeper cells across Nigeria and masterminding several high-profile kidnappings and robberies to fund terror activities. His deputy, Abba — also known as Isah Adam or Mahmud Al-Nigeri — reportedly led the Mahmudawa cell, which operated around Kainji National Park, spanning Niger, Kwara, and Benin Republic.

According to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Usman received military and explosives training in Libya between 2013 and 2015 under jihadist instructors from Egypt, Tunisia, and Algeria.
Both men were apprehended in a DSS-led counter-terrorism operation in July after months of surveillance. They face a 32-count terrorism charge, including illegal mining. Usman has pleaded guilty to the mining charge and received a 15-year sentence, while Abba has pleaded not guilty to all counts.

Other High-Profile Terrorism Trials
The DSS is also prosecuting Khalid Al-Barnawi, alleged mastermind of the August 26, 2011 bombing of the United Nations Building in Abuja, which killed 20 people and injured more than 70.
Al-Barnawi, captured in 2016, is on trial alongside Mohammed Bashir Saleh, Umar Mohammed Bello (aka Datti), Mohammed Salisu, and Yakubu Nuhu (aka Bello Maishayi).
The case, delayed by legal hurdles, resumed recently following a DSS request for accelerated hearing, which Justice Nwite granted. On October 23 and 24, the court conducted a trial-within-trial, during which video evidence of the defendants’ confessional statements was presented.

Owo Church Attack
On August 11, the DSS arraigned five men before the Federal High Court, Abuja, over their alleged involvement in the June 5, 2022 terrorist attack at St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State, which claimed over 40 lives and injured more than 100.
The accused — Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, Al Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik, Abdulhaleem Idris, and Momoh Otuho Abubakar — face a nine-count charge (FHC/ABJ/CR/301/2025) for alleged membership of the Al-Shabab terrorist network, operating a cell in Kogi State.
All defendants pleaded not guilty. Their bail applications were denied on September 10, with Justice Nwite citing the severity of the charges and strong evidence linking them to the group.
Yelwata Massacre Suspects
In another major case, the DSS is prosecuting suspects linked to the June 13, 2025 Yelwata massacre in Guma Local Government Area, Benue State, where dozens were killed and 107 injured.
The attack drew national outrage, prompting a condolence visit by President Bola Tinubu and an urgent directive for the arrest of the perpetrators.
Following the June 24 announcement by the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, of 26 arrests, the DSS filed terrorism-related charges in August against nine of the suspects.
Among those charged are Haruna Adamu and Muhammad Abdullahi, both from Awe LGA, Nasarawa State, who remain at large. The accused face four counts, including concealing information about planned attacks on Abinsi and Yelwata between June 13 and 14.
Others undergoing trial include Musa Beniyon, Bako Malowa, Ibrahim Tunga, Asara Ahnadu, Legu Musa, Adamu Yale, Boddi Ayuba, and Pyeure Damina.
Additionally, two men — Terkende Ashuwa and Amos Alede of Guma LGA — are being tried for alleged reprisal attacks linked to the massacre. Both pleaded not guilty at their arraignment in September.
DSS Reaffirms Commitment to Justice
Speaking on the ongoing cases, DSS Director-General Tosin Ajayi stated that the agency remains steadfast in bringing terrorists to justice in accordance with the rule of law.
“The various arrests and trials of terrorism suspects show that Nigeria’s security agencies have been diligent in dealing with the perpetrators of terror in the country,” Ajayi said.
“The men we are prosecuting are separate from the hundreds of suspects under the military’s protective custody, whose cases are being handled by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation. In July last year, 125 terrorists were convicted.
We shall continue to make the suspects accountable for disrupting the peace of our country, in consonance with the rule of law.”
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Source: Federal High Court, Abuja / Department of State Services / ONSA