The Department of State Services (DSS) has provided a comprehensive update on the ongoing prosecution of several individuals arrested on terrorism charges across Nigeria. This development underscores the nation's steadfast commitment to combating insurgency and ensuring accountability for violent acts.
High-Profile Terror Suspects Face Justice
On November 19, Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja is slated to continue the trial of internationally wanted terror suspects, Mahmud Muhammad Usman and Abubakar Abba. These individuals, known as Usman (aka Abu Bara’a) and Abba (aliases Isah Adam and Mahmud Al-Nigeri), were captured by the DSS in July following a high-risk, intelligence-led counter-terrorism operation spanning several months. They are believed to be leaders of the Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan, commonly known as ANSARU, an Al-Qaeda affiliate operating within Nigeria. Usman, the self-proclaimed Emir of ANSARU, is accused of coordinating numerous terrorist sleeper cells and masterminding high-profile kidnappings and robberies, with proceeds allegedly funding terror activities. Abba, his chief of staff, is alleged to have commanded the "Mahmudawa" cell, active near Kainji National Park and extending into the Republic of Benin. Usman has already pleaded guilty to illegal mining charges and received a 15-year sentence, while Abba maintains his innocence across all 32 counts.
Landmark Cases: UN Complex Bombing and Owo Church Attack Trials Progress
The DSS is also actively prosecuting Khalid Al-Barnawi, who stands accused as the mastermind behind the devastating August 26, 2011, bombing of the United Nations Complex in Abuja, which tragically claimed 20 lives and injured over 70. Al-Barnawi, apprehended in 2016, faces trial alongside four co-defendants: Mohammed Bashir Saleh, Umar Mohammed Bello (aka Datti), Mohammed Salisu, and Yakubu Nuhu (aka Bello Maishayi). This trial has faced extensive delays but was recently granted an accelerated hearing by Justice Nwite. Furthermore, on August 11, the DSS arraigned five men before a Federal High Court in Abuja for their alleged involvement in the horrific June 5, 2022, attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, an incident that resulted in over 40 fatalities and more than 100 injuries. These defendants, including Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza and Jamiu Abdulmalik, are charged with nine counts of crime and terrorism, accused of being members of the Al Shabab terrorist group. Their bail requests were denied due to the capital nature of their charges and compelling evidence.
Addressing Regional Violence: Yelwata Massacre Suspects Apprehended
Beyond individual cases, the DSS is pursuing suspects linked to the June 13, 2025, Yelwata massacre in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, an attack that drew global condemnation and prompted President Bola Tinubu to demand swift arrests. The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, announced 26 arrests in connection with the incident. In August 2025, the DSS filed six separate terrorism-related charges against nine suspects, including Haruna Adamu and Muhammad Abdullahi, who are currently at large. These charges encompass concealment of information regarding the attacks staged in Abinsi and Yelwata villages. Additionally, two suspects, Terkende Ashuwa and Amos Alede, face three counts for allegedly carrying out reprisal attacks against the initial terror suspects. The Director General of the DSS, Tosin Ajayi, affirmed the diligence of Nigeria's security agencies in holding perpetrators accountable and disrupting the peace of the country, citing previous convictions of 125 terrorists in July last year. The DSS continues its robust efforts in line with the rule of law to bring all suspects to justice for Nigeria Crimes.