The Department of State Services (DSS) has given new updates on ongoing terrorism prosecutions across Nigeria, showing progress in the government’s sustained fight against violent extremism and insecurity.
On November 19, the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite, will continue the trial of two wanted terror suspects — Mahmud Muhammad Usman (also known as Abu Bara’a) and Abubakar Abba (also known as Isah Adam and Mahmud Al-Nigeri).
According to reports obtained by Mediaplusng.com, both men were arrested in July during a DSS-led counter-terrorism operation after several months of intelligence tracking. They are believed to be key leaders of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan (ANSARU), Nigeria’s Al-Qaeda affiliate.
Leaders of Terror Cells Facing Justice
Usman, who claims the title Emir of ANSARU, is accused of coordinating several terrorist sleeper cells across Nigeria and masterminding high-profile kidnappings and robberies that funded terror activities. His deputy, Abba, allegedly led the “Mahmudawa” cell, which operated around the Kainji National Park near the Niger-Kwara border and the Republic of Benin.
The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) previously revealed that Usman received weapons and explosives training in Libya under North African jihadist instructors between 2013 and 2015. Both suspects are facing a 32-count terrorism charge, including one linked to illegal mining. Usman has already been sentenced to 15 years in prison after pleading guilty to one count, while Abba pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Other High-Profile Terrorism Trials
The DSS is also prosecuting Khalid Al-Barnawi, the alleged mastermind of the 2011 United Nations building bombing in Abuja, which killed 20 people and injured over 70 others. Al-Barnawi and four co-defendants are currently facing trial before Justice Nwite after years of delays due to legal and procedural challenges.
In October, the court held a trial-within-trial, during which the defendants’ recorded confessions were played. The DSS has called for an accelerated hearing to fast-track justice for victims of terror attacks.
In another case, five men — Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, Al Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik, Abdulhaleem Idris, and Momoh Otuho Abubakar — are on trial for the June 5, 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State, where over 40 worshippers were killed.
The suspects, who pleaded not guilty, are accused of belonging to the Al-Shabab terror cell in Kogi State and carrying out the church attack to promote extremist ideology. The court has since denied them bail, citing the gravity of the charges and risk of flight.
Benue Massacre and Broader Security Crackdown
The DSS has also filed multiple terrorism charges in connection with the Yelwata massacre in Benue State, where dozens were killed and more than 100 injured in June 2025.
Mediaplusng.com reports that nine suspects are standing trial for their alleged involvement in the coordinated attacks in Abinsi and Yelwata villages.
Additionally, two other men, Terkende Ashuwa and Amos Alede, are being tried for reprisal attacks in the same area. All the defendants have pleaded not guilty.
DSS Reaffirms Commitment to Justice
The Director-General of the DSS, Tosin Ajayi, said the ongoing arrests and trials demonstrate Nigeria’s commitment to holding terrorists accountable under the law.
> “These prosecutions reflect our diligence and coordination with other security agencies. Beyond these cases, hundreds of suspects remain in military custody, and 125 terrorists have already been convicted,” Ajayi stated.
“We will continue to pursue justice and safeguard national peace in line with the rule of law,” he added.
As the trials continue, the DSS has pledged transparency and consistency in its counter-terrorism efforts, reaffirming that no perpetrator will escape justice.
