DSS provides update on prosecution of terrorism suspects

The Department of State Services (DSS) has announced significant progress in the ongoing prosecution of several high-profile terrorism cases across Nigeria, including those linked to the Islamist sect Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan (ANSARU), the 2011 UN House bombing in Abuja, the 2022 Owo church attack, and the 2025 Yelwata massacre in Benue State.

According to a statement issued by Favour Dozie, Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, the DSS confirmed that the trial of two notorious terror suspects, Mahmud Muhammad Usman (aka Abu Bara’a) and Abubakar Abba (aka Isah Adam or Mahmud Al-Nigeri), will continue on November 19 before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Usman and Abba, described as leaders of ANSARU—Nigeria’s Al-Qaeda affiliate—were arrested in July during a high-risk, intelligence-led operation after months of pursuit.

Usman, identified as the self-styled Emir of ANSARU, allegedly coordinated terrorist sleeper cells across the country and masterminded a series of kidnappings and robberies used to fund terror activities. His deputy, Abba, reportedly led the “Mahmudawa” cell operating around Kainji National Park, spanning parts of Niger and Kwara States and the Republic of Benin.

The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) earlier revealed that Usman received terrorist training in Libya between 2013 and 2015 under jihadist instructors from Egypt, Tunisia, and Algeria, specialising in weapons handling and IED fabrication.

Both suspects face 32 terrorism-related charges. Usman has already pleaded guilty to one count of illegal mining and received a 15-year sentence, while Abba pleaded not guilty to all counts.

Trial of UN House Bombing Suspects Resumes

The DSS also confirmed progress in the case of Khalid Al-Barnawi, alleged mastermind of the August 26, 2011 bombing of the United Nations complex in Abuja, which left 20 people dead and more than 70 injured.

Al-Barnawi, captured in 2016, is standing trial alongside Mohammed Bashir Saleh, Umar Mohammed Bello (aka Datti), Mohammed Salisu, and Yakubu Nuhu (aka Bello Maishayi).

After years of procedural delays, the court has granted the DSS’s request for an accelerated hearing. On October 23 and 24, the court conducted a trial-within-trial session, during which videos of the defendants’ confessional statements were played.

Five Arraigned for 2022 Owo Church Attack

In another major case, five men — Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, Al Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik, Abdulhaleem Idris, and Momoh Otuho Abubakar — are facing a nine-count terrorism charge for their alleged involvement in the June 5, 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State.

The attack claimed over 40 lives and left more than 100 people injured.

The suspects, accused of being members of the Al Shabab terrorist group with cells in Kogi State, pleaded not guilty. Justice Nwite denied them bail in September, ruling that the offences were capital in nature and that the evidence against them was strong.

Yelwata Massacre Suspects in Court

The DSS also confirmed that trials have commenced for suspects involved in the June 13, 2025 Yelwata massacre in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, where dozens were killed and over 100 injured.

Following nationwide outrage, President Bola Tinubu visited Benue and demanded swift action. The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, subsequently announced the arrest of 26 suspects.

In August, the DSS filed multiple terrorism-related charges against nine suspects before the Federal High Court in Abuja. Two key suspects — Haruna Adamu and Muhammad Abdullahi, both from Awe Local Government in Nasarawa State — remain at large.

Additionally, two men, Terkende Ashuwa and Amos Alede, are being prosecuted for launching a reprisal attack related to the same incident. Their trial, also before Justice Nwite, began in September, with both pleading not guilty.

DSS Reaffirms Commitment to Justice

DSS Director-General Tosin Ajayi said the ongoing prosecutions demonstrate the agency’s resolve to bring terrorists to justice in accordance with the 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 stated.

“The men we are prosecuting are separate from the hundreds of suspects under military custody, whose cases are being handled by the Office of the Attorney General. 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.”

Byline:
By Favour Dozie
Deputy Director, Public Relations and Strategic Communications, DSS
Issued: November 4, 2025