The Federal Government has filed multiple terrorism and firearms charges against 15 suspects alleged to be complicit in recent violent attacks in Benue and Plateau States that left more than 40 people dead, dozens injured, and hundreds displaced.
The charges, filed by the Department of State Services (DSS) before the Federal High Court in Abuja, stem from coordinated attacks in Abinsi and Yelwata villages, Guma LGA of Benue State, on June 13, 2025, as well as other incidents in Plateau.
According to the charge sheet marked FHC/ABJ/CR/449/2025, the DSS alleged that Haruna Adamu and Muhammad Abdullahi, both from Awe LGA of Nasarawa State, carried out the deadly raids in connivance with others still at large. They were charged alongside Musa Beniyon, Bako Malowa, Ibrahim Tunga, Asara Ahnadu, Legu Musa, Adamu Yale, Boddi Ayuba, and Pyeure Damina under sections 12 and 29 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022.
In a separate three-count charge (FHC/ABJ/CR/448/2025), two suspects – Terkende Ashuwa and Amos Alede, both of Guma LGA – were accused of participating in reprisal attacks in Abinsi and Yelwata. The DSS said the pair attended a meeting in Daudu town, Guma LGA, in July 2025, where they conspired with others to carry out acts of terrorism, including the destruction of property and loss of 12 cattle in Ukpam village.
Also facing trial is 32-year-old Halima Haliru Umar of Faskari LGA, Katsina State, who was charged with four counts of terrorism. She was accused of transporting 302 rounds of AK-47 live ammunition to bandits and concealing information on a suspected gunrunner, in violation of sections 6 and 13 of the Terrorism Act.
Similarly, 75-year-old Nanbol Tali and Timnan Manjo were charged with four counts involving the purchase and resale of locally fabricated AK-47 rifles and revolvers to bandits in Plateau State. They were also accused of illegal possession of firearms, contrary to sections 9 and 27 of the Firearms Act, 2024.
In Jos North, Plateau State, Danjuma Antu was slammed with a five-count charge over unlawful possession of two locally fabricated pistols, while Silas Iduh Oloche of Agatu LGA, Benue State, faces six counts for unlawful possession of 18 firearms, including grenades, and 683 live rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.
The DSS said Oloche’s arrest on August 2, 2025, underscores the growing threat of illegal arms circulation in conflict-prone communities.
All charges were endorsed by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), Muhammad Abubakar, but no date has yet been fixed for the arraignment of the defendants.
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