Abuja — Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju has praised President Bola Tinubu and the Department of State Services (DSS) for the arrest and arraignment of nine suspects allegedly involved in recent deadly attacks in Benue and Plateau states.
In a Facebook post on Thursday, Adeyanju — a frequent government critic — described the arraignment as “a welcome step that gives hope to the affected communities that justice will be done.” He urged authorities to extend protections to Nigerians targeted by bandits nationwide and to speed up investigations and prosecutions so suspects are either charged promptly or released. “Citizens cannot continue to spend years in custody without charge,” he added, warning that delays undermine confidence in the justice system.
The DSS on Wednesday arraigned nine individuals before a Federal High Court in Abuja on multiple charges, including unlawful possession and dealing in firearms and assisting terrorism. The defendants and charge numbers are:
• Terkende Ashuwa (46) and Amos Alede (44) — FHC/ABJ/CR/448/2025;
• Haruna Adamu (26) and Muhammed Abdullahi (48) — FHC/ABJ/CR/449/2025;
• Halima Haliru Usman (32) — FHC/ABJ/CR/450/2025;
• Timna Manjo (46) and Nanbol Tali (75) — FHC/ABJ/CR/451/2025;
• Danjuma Antu (62) — FHC/ABJ/CR/452/2025;
• Silas Iduh Oloche — six-count charge FHC/ABJ/CR/453/2025.
Of the nine, Timna Manjo pleaded guilty to two of four counts in the charge on which he was arraigned alongside Nanbol Tali. Others entered their pleas in turn.
Adeyanju also recalled earlier praise for the DSS under Director-General Tosin Adeola Ajayi, saying the agency has shown greater respect for human rights and professionalism. In July he highlighted the recent release of businessman Abdulyakini Salisu — who had reportedly been detained since 2022 without charge — as an example of the agency’s improved conduct.
The arraignments follow nationwide outrage over the killings in Benue and Plateau, and come as calls grow for swifter justice for victims and more accountability from security agencies.
