The Department of State Services (DSS) has provided an update on the ongoing prosecution of several high-profile terrorism suspects across the country, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring justice and national security through lawful processes.
In a statement released on Tuesday by Favour Dozie, Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, the Service confirmed that the Federal High Court in Abuja will, on November 19, continue the trial of two wanted terror suspects, Mahmud Muhammad Usman (aka Abu Bara’a) and Abubakar Abba (aka Isah Adam or Mahmud Al-Nigeri).
According to the DSS, the two suspects—believed to be top leaders of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan (ANSARU), a Nigerian affiliate of Al-Qaeda—were captured in a high-risk, intelligence-led operation in July after months of surveillance.
Usman, described as the self-styled Emir of ANSARU, is alleged to have coordinated multiple terrorist sleeper cells across the country and masterminded several high-profile kidnappings and robberies to fund terrorist operations. His deputy, Abba, reportedly led the “Mahmudawa” cell operating around Kainji National Park, spanning Niger and Kwara states and parts of the Republic of Benin.
Both men are facing 32 counts of terrorism-related offences, with Usman already sentenced to 15 years in prison after pleading guilty to one count of illegal mining. Abba has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The Service also highlighted the ongoing trial of Khalid Al-Barnawi, the alleged mastermind of the 2011 United Nations Building bombing in Abuja, which claimed 20 lives and injured over 70 others. Al-Barnawi and four other suspects—Mohammed Bashir Saleh, Umar Mohammed Bello (aka Datti), Mohammed Salisu, and Yakubu Nuhu (aka Bello Maishayi)—are currently facing trial before Justice Emeka Nwite.
The DSS said the prolonged delay in the case was due to procedural issues, including instances where the defendants appeared in court without legal representation. The court has now granted an accelerated hearing, with video evidence of the defendants’ confessional statements recently played during a trial-within-trial session.
In addition, five men accused of involvement in the June 5, 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, are also standing trial before the same court. The attack left over 40 people dead and more than 100 injured. The defendants—Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, Al Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik, Abdulhaleem Idris, and Momoh Otuho Abubakar—have pleaded not guilty to a nine-count terrorism charge.
