The Department of State Services, DSS, on Wednesday arraigned nine suspects before the Federal High Court in Abuja over their alleged roles in the recent spate of killings and violent attacks in Benue and Plateau States.
The defendants, accused of terrorism-related offences, unlawful possession of firearms, and aiding terrorist activities, appeared before Justice Emeka Nwite in six separate charges.
The arraignment represents a significant move by security agencies to clamp down on escalating violence in the North-Central region, which has left communities devastated and heightened concerns about arms proliferation.
Those arraigned include Terkende Ashuwa (46) and Amos Alede (44), facing a three-count charge (FHC/ABJ/CR/448/2025) alleging their attendance at meetings linked to terrorist activities in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
They are accused of receiving weapons to perpetrate attacks that caused the loss of livestock and destruction of property.
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Another charge (FHC/ABJ/CR/449/2025) was filed against Haruna Adamu (26) and Muhammed Abdullahi (48), accused of participating in gatherings connected to planned killings in Abinsi and Yelwata communities of Benue State. The duo allegedly concealed vital information that could have prevented the bloodshed.
Halima Haliru Usman (32) was also arraigned on allegations of transporting and possessing over 300 rounds of live ammunition, intended to support acts of terrorism in Plateau State.
Meanwhile, two others — Timna Manjo (46) and Nanbol Tali (75) — were arraigned for illegal possession and trading of firearms.
Notably, Manjo pleaded guilty to two of the four charges filed against him, admitting to illegally buying and selling rifles, including revolvers and AK-47s, in Plateau State.
The oldest defendant, Danjuma Antu (62), is facing charges of unlawful possession of ammunition and aiding terrorism by transporting pistols and ammunition within Jos North. Another defendant, Silas Iduh Oloche, faces a separate six-count charge for firearms offences.
Justice Nwite ordered that all defendants be remanded in DSS custody, with access granted to their legal counsel.
The court fixed October 2, 9, and 17, 2025, for the commencement of trials in the various cases, underscoring the seriousness with which the judiciary is treating the charges.
In a related development, the DSS filed a fresh five-count charge against suspected gunrunner, Huzaifa Ahamad Haruna, popularly known as Huzaifa Dogo.
He was allegedly arrested with seven M16 rifles and several magazines. Prosecutors accused him of transporting assault rifles across Plateau State to aid terrorism, acts punishable under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Crediblenewsng.com
