Court sets new date for Ansaru terror suspects trial

A Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the trial of two leaders of the Ansaru terrorist group, Mahmud Usman and Abubakar Abba, following submissions from their counsel requesting more time to study the charges and evidence.

The suspects, captured by the Department of State Services (DSS) between May and July 2025, are facing multiple charges including terrorism, kidnapping, and unlawful possession of arms. Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a, and Abubakar Abba, popularly called Mahmud Al-Nigeri, are accused of masterminding attacks across Nigeria, including bombings, kidnappings, and training followers in terror tactics.

At Wednesday’s proceedings, the defence lawyer, B.I. Bakum, said the charges and proof of evidence were still with the DSS, where the suspects are being detained. He requested that the accused be moved to a correctional facility to allow easier access for preparation of their defence.

The DSS counsel, David Kaswe, opposed the request, saying the witnesses were present and that protocol requires defence lawyers to formally seek permission to visit suspects in DSS custody.

Justice Emeka Nwite adjourned the trial to January 15, 2026, in the interest of fair hearing, and directed the defence lawyer to follow DSS protocols for client visits.

The accused are facing a 32-count charge, with Usman having pleaded guilty to one count relating to economic crimes and denied the remaining counts. Abubakar Abba pleaded not guilty to all charges.

According to the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Mohammed Babadoko Abubakar, the crimes allegedly occurred between 2015 and 2024. The charges include bombing Wawa Military Cantonment in Niger State, kidnapping a Customs officer and an Immigration officer — who was later killed — financing terrorism through unlawful mineral mining, and receiving training from foreign terror groups in Mali and Sudan.

The DSS said the suspects collected millions of naira in ransoms from kidnapping victims and used the proceeds to procure arms and explosives. They are also accused of concealing information about terror attacks in Niger State.

Ansaru, a breakaway faction of Boko Haram, has been linked to multiple high-profile attacks and kidnappings across Nigeria. Usman and Abubakar Abba remain in DSS custody as the case awaits trial.