Abuja, Nigeria – The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed multiple terrorism-related charges at the Federal High Court, Abuja, against nine suspects allegedly linked to the recent deadly attacks on Yelwata in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State and parts of Plateau, which claimed at least 40 lives and displaced hundreds.
According to court documents obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the DSS accused Haruna Adamu and Muhammad Abdullahi, both of Awe Local Government Area, Nasarawa State, alongside others still at large, of masterminding the June 13 attacks on Abinsi and Yelwata villages. The offence, the prosecution said, contravenes Section 12 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022.
They were also charged with conspiring with Musa Beniyon, Bako Malowa, Ibrahim Tunga, Asara Ahnadu, Legu Musa, Adamu Yale, Boddi Ayuba, and Pyeure Damina to commit terrorism in Benue and Plateau, an offence contrary to Section 29 of the Act.
In a separate charge, two other suspect Terkende Ashuwa and Amos Alede of Guma LGA were accused of carrying out reprisal attacks linked to the Yelwata incident. The charge sheet, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/448/2025, alleged they participated in meetings that led to acts of terrorism, including the destruction of property and the loss of 12 cattle in Ukpam village. They also allegedly conspired with others to procure locally made weapons, offences punishable under Sections 12, 13, and 26 of the Act.
The DSS further arraigned a 32-year-old woman, Halima Haliru-Umar, of Faskari LGA, Katsina State, on a four-count terrorism charge. She was accused of transporting 302 rounds of live AK-47 ammunition to bandits and concealing information about a suspected gun runner, Alhaji Sani.
Similarly, two elderly men, 75-year-old Nanbol Tali and Timnan Manjo, were charged with illegal arms dealing, including the sale of locally fabricated AK-47 rifles for ₦3 million and the purchase of revolvers intended for resale to bandits. Their offences contravene provisions of the Firearms Act 2024.
Other suspects named in the DSS filings include:
- Danjuma Antu of Jos North LGA, Plateau, charged with unlawful possession of two pistols capable of discharging 9mm rounds;
- Silas Oloche of Agatu LGA, Benue, accused of unlawful possession of 18 grenades and 683 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, contrary to Section 8 of the Firearms Act.
The charges were filed by Muhammad Abubakar, Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), on behalf of the Federal Government.
As of press time, no date has been fixed for the commencement of trial.
