The Department of State Services (DSS) on Wednesday brought nine individuals before the Federal High Court in Abuja, charging them with terrorism-related offences and illegal arms transactions tied to recent violent incidents in Benue and Plateau States.
Charges Against the Defendants
According to court documents, the accused were arraigned under six separate charges for alleged crimes that include unlawful possession of firearms, providing support for terrorist activities, and participation in violent attacks that led to loss of lives and destruction of property.
The defendants named in the charges are:
- Terkende Ashuwa (46) and Amos Alede (44) – Charge No: FHC/ABJ/CR/448/2025.
- Haruna Adamu (26) and Muhammed Abdullahi (48) – Charge No: FHC/ABJ/CR/449/2025.
- Halima Haliru Usman (32) – Charge No: FHC/ABJ/CR/450/2025.
- Timna Manjo (46) and Nanbol Tali (75) – Charge No: FHC/ABJ/CR/451/2025.
- Danjuma Antu (62) – Charge No: FHC/ABJ/CR/452/2025.
- Silas Iduh Oloche – Six-count charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/453/2025.
Guilty Plea and Firearms Dealings
Among the nine, Timna Manjo admitted guilt to two counts related to arms trafficking. Court records revealed that between July and August 2025, Manjo and Tali purchased and sold two locally fabricated AK-47 rifles for ₦3,000,000 without a licence, an offence under the Firearms Act 2004.
Manjo was also accused of buying three long-range revolver rifles at ₦60,000 each from a supplier named Chomo for resale, further breaching federal firearms regulations.
Terrorism-Related Meetings in Benue and Nasarawa
Ashuwa and Alede, both residents of Guma LGA, Benue State, were accused of participating in a terrorism-related meeting at Couch Bar, Daudu village, in July 2025. They allegedly received weapons, including locally made guns and an AK-47, from one Alhaji Uba to commit acts of terrorism that resulted in the destruction of property and loss of 12 cattle in Ukpam village.
Similarly, Adamu and Abdullahi of Nasarawa State were charged with attending a meeting on June 13, alongside several others, to plan terrorist attacks in Abinsi and Yelwata villages, Guma LGA, Benue State. They were also accused of concealing intelligence about the planned killings, which could have prevented the violence.
Ammunition Possession and Transport
Halima Haliru Usman, a 32-year-old from Katsina State, allegedly transported 302 rounds of AK-47 live ammunition across Barkin Ladi and Jos North LGAs in Plateau State on July 7. Prosecutors stated that she provided material assistance to facilitate acts of terrorism.
Manjo and Tali were further accused of possessing additional locally fabricated AK-47 rifles and reselling weapons to unidentified buyers, including a reverend.
Other Charges and Court Proceedings
Danjuma Antu, aged 62, was arraigned on a five-count charge for possessing 9mm live ammunition and transporting pistols in support of terrorism in Jos North, Plateau State.
Following the defendants’ pleas, Justice Emeka Nwite ordered their remand in DSS custody with access to legal representation. Trial dates were fixed as follows:
- Ashuwa, Alede, and Halima Usman – October 2.
- Adamu and Abdullahi – October 9.
- Manjo, Tali, Antu, and Oloche – October 17.
Fresh Charges Against Suspected Arms Dealer
On the same day, the DSS also filed a new five-count charge against suspected arms trafficker Huzaifa Ahamad Haruna (popularly known as Huzaifa Dogo). He was allegedly caught with seven M-16 assault rifles and empty magazines in a green Opel Vectra vehicle.
Prosecutors claimed Haruna facilitated arms transportation in March and August 2025 across Barkin Ladi and Mangu LGAs in Plateau State, providing material assistance for terrorist operations. His charges were filed under Section 13 (1) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Broader Implications
The arraignment underscores the federal government’s determination to curb terrorism, illegal arms proliferation, and violent attacks across Nigeria’s Middle Belt. Security analysts stress that successful prosecution of these cases will set a legal precedent for addressing terrorism-linked violence in Benue, Plateau, and surrounding state
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