By Muhammad Mamman
The Department of State Services (DSS) on Wednesday arraigned nine suspects before a Federal High Court in Abuja in connection with recent killings in Benue and Plateau states, with one of the accused admitting to unlawful possession of firearms.
The suspects, facing six separate charges, stand accused of offences ranging from the unlawful possession and trafficking of firearms to aiding acts of terrorism.
Those arraigned include: Terkende Ashuwa (46) and Amos Alede (44) from Benue State; Haruna Adamu (26) and Muhammed Abdullahi (48) from Nasarawa State; Halima Haliru Usman (32) from Katsina State; and Timna Manjo (46), Nanbol Tali (75), Danjuma Antu (62), and Silas Iduh Oloche from Plateau State.
Of the nine, Timna Manjo, arraigned alongside Nanbol Tali, pleaded guilty to two counts of unlawful possession and trading in firearms. Court documents revealed that Manjo admitted to purchasing and reselling two locally fabricated AK-47 rifles for ₦3 million, as well as acquiring three long-range revolver rifles at ₦60,000 each for resale.
The remaining defendants pleaded not guilty to charges that include participating in meetings linked to terrorist activity, concealing intelligence on planned attacks, and providing material support for violent crimes.
According to prosecutors, Ashuwa and Alede received firearms from an individual identified as Alhaji Uba to facilitate attacks in Ukpam village, Benue State—incidents that resulted in property destruction and cattle rustling. Adamu and Abdullahi allegedly attended meetings in Nasarawa State tied to killings in Abinsi and Yelwata, while Mrs Usman is accused of transporting 302 rounds of live AK-47 ammunition to Plateau State.
Justice Emeka Nwite ordered that all nine suspects remain in DSS custody, with access granted to their legal representatives. The trial has been adjourned to 2, 9 and 17 October, depending on the charges.
In a related case, the DSS has filed a fresh five-count charge against Huzaifa Ahamad Haruna, also known as Huzaifa Dogo, who was reportedly arrested with seven M16 assault rifles. He is accused of providing logistical support and transporting the weapons to aid terrorist operations in Plateau State.
The DSS reaffirmed its resolve to ensure that those behind terrorism and violent crimes are held accountable, stressing that investigations remain ongoing and prosecutions will follow due process.
