DSS arraigns Nine Suspects over terrorism-related offences in Benue, Plateau

The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed terrorism-related charges against nine suspects before the Federal High Court in Abuja over recent violent attacks in Yelwata, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, and parts of Plateau State.

According to the charge sheet, Haruna Adamu and Muhammad Abdullahi, both from Awe LGA in Nasarawa State, alongside others still at large, were accused of attacking residents of Abinsi and Yelwata on June 13, 2025, an offence said to contravene Section 12 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022.

They were also accused of conspiring with several individuals, including Musa Beniyon, Bako Malowa, Ibrahim Tunga, Asara Ahnadu, Legu Musa, Adamu Yale, Boddi Ayuba, and Pyeure Damina, who are still on the run. The Federal Government, through the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), Muhammad Abubakar, maintained that their actions amounted to preparatory acts of terrorism in violation of Section 29 of the Act.

In a separate case, two men, Terkende Ashuwa and Amos Alede from Guma LGA, faced a three-count charge for reprisal attacks. They were accused of attending a meeting that led to terrorist activities, including property destruction and the loss of 12 cattle in Ukpam village. They were further accused of conspiring to commit terrorism in Daudu town in July 2025 and of receiving firearms from one Alhaji Uba to carry out the act, offences punishable under Sections 12, 13, and 26 of the Terrorism Act.

The DSS also arraigned 32-year-old Halima Haliru Umar from Faskari LGA in Katsina State on a four-count charge. She was accused of transporting 302 rounds of live AK-47 ammunition to bandits in July 2025 and withholding information about a suspected gun runner, Alhaji Sani. Her charges were brought under Sections 6 and 13 of the Terrorism Act.

Similarly, 75-year-old Nanbol Tali and another suspect, Timnan Manjo, were accused of illegally buying and selling two locally fabricated AK-47 rifles for N3 million, as well as three long-range revolvers, for resale to bandits. The DSS said their offences contravened Section 9 of the Terrorism Act and Section 27 of the Firearms Act 2024.

Another suspect, Danjuma Antu from Jos North LGA of Plateau State, was charged with five counts of unlawful possession of locally made pistols, contrary to Section 3 of the Firearms Act 2024.

In addition, Silas Iduh Oloche of Agatu LGA, Benue State, was slammed with a six-count charge for unlawful possession of 18 grenades and 683 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, offences said to breach Sections 3 and 8 of the Firearms Act and punishable under Section 27.

The court has not yet fixed a trial date for the suspects.