The Department of State Services (DSS) has provided an update on the ongoing prosecution of several high-profile terrorism suspects across the country, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring that all perpetrators of terror face justice in accordance with the law.
According to a statement signed by Favour Dozie, Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, the Service disclosed that the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite, will on November 19 continue the trial of two internationally wanted terror suspects — Mahmud Muhammad Usman (aka Abu Bara’a) and Abubakar Abba (aka Isah Adam and Mahmud Al-Nigeri).
The DSS captured the duo in a high-risk, intelligence-led operation in July after months of pursuit. They are alleged leaders of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan (ANSARU), a known affiliate of Al-Qaeda in Nigeria. Usman, described as the self-styled Emir of ANSARU, allegedly coordinated various terrorist sleeper cells and financed terrorism through proceeds from kidnappings and armed robberies. Abba, identified as his deputy, reportedly led the “Mahmudawa” cell operating around Kainji National Park, spanning Niger and Kwara States as well as parts of Benin Republic.
Both men are facing a 32-count charge of terrorism. While Usman pleaded guilty to one count of illegal mining and was sentenced to 15 years in prison, Abba pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The statement also confirmed progress in the trial of Khalid Al-Barnawi, alleged mastermind of the August 26, 2011, United Nations building bombing in Abuja that killed 20 people and injured over 70. Al-Barnawi and four others are being tried before Justice Nwite, with recent hearings including a trial-within-trial session where video evidence of their confessional statements was played in court.
Additionally, the DSS highlighted the ongoing prosecution of five suspects allegedly involved in the June 5, 2022, St. Francis Catholic Church attack in Owo, Ondo State, which claimed over 40 lives and injured more than 100. The suspects — Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, Al Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik, Abdulhaleem Idris, and Momoh Otuho Abubakar — are facing a nine-count terrorism charge. Their bail applications were denied on grounds of the severity of their offences and risk of flight.
In another case, suspects linked to the Yelwata massacre in Benue State on June 13, 2025, in which dozens were killed and over 100 injured, are also standing trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja. Nine suspects were charged in August 2025, while others remain at large. Two individuals are also being prosecuted for launching a reprisal attack connected to the Yelwata incident.
DSS Director General Tosin Ajayi emphasized the Service’s resolve to pursue all terrorism cases to conclusion, noting that the prosecutions are distinct from hundreds of others currently under the military’s jurisdiction and the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation. “The various arrests and trials of terrorism suspects show that Nigeria’s security agencies have been diligent in dealing with those who disrupt the peace of our country. We shall continue to make them accountable, in consonance with the rule of law,” Ajayi stated.
The DSS reaffirmed its commitment to upholding national security through lawful means and ensuring that justice is served for all victims of terrorism.
