The Federal High Court in Abuja has given a suspected commander of Ansaru, an Al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorist group, until July 20 to decide whether to change his not guilty plea in an ongoing terrorism trial brought by the Department of State Services, DSS.
The defendant, Abubakar Abba, also known as Abu Bara’a, is standing trial alongside Mahmud Usman, also known as Isah Adam and Mahmud Al-Nigeri, before Justice Emeka Nwite on terrorism-related charges.
The case, which came up on Thursday for continuation of hearing, took a fresh turn when Abba informed the court of his intention to withdraw his earlier not guilty plea.
However, after consulting with his lawyer, Husseina Tukur, Abba told the court he had not yet decided whether to change his plea or retain his earlier one.
Prosecuting counsel, David Kaswe, opposed any further adjournment, arguing that the defendant had made a similar request at the previous sitting. He urged the court to proceed with trial if Abba failed to make up his mind.
Also Read: DSS seeks maximum punishment for Owo terrorists
In a short ruling, Justice Nwite held that it was the first time Abba’s intention to change his plea had been formally raised and entered on the record.
The judge said the defendant should be given an opportunity to make up his mind and adjourned the matter until July 20 for Abba to either change his plea or for hearing to continue.
Abba and Usman were arrested in separate DSS operations between May and July 2025.
They are facing a 32-count charge bordering on terrorism, terrorism financing, kidnapping for ransom, illegal mining, funding terrorism, and the fabrication of improvised explosive devices, among other allegations. They are also accused of coordinating sleeper cells, attacks, and links to groups in the Sahel and Maghreb.
At arraignment, Usman pleaded guilty to one count of illegal mining for funding terrorism and arms procurement and was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment. He pleaded not guilty to the remaining 31 counts, while Abba pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Crediblenewsng.com
