The Department of State Services on Wednesday arraigned nine prime suspects before the Federal High Court in Abuja over their alleged involvement in deadly attacks that claimed dozens of lives and destroyed property in Benue and Plateau States.
The suspects face multiple counts ranging from terrorism and reprisal killings to unlawful possession of firearms and aiding criminal networks. Court records showed that two men, Haruna Adamu and Muhammad Abdullahi, both from Awe Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, were charged with four counts connected to coordinated assaults on Abinsi and Yelewata communities in Guma Local Government Area of Benue on June 13, 2025.
Another pair of defendants, Terkende Ashuwa and Amos Alede of Guma LGA, were arraigned on a three-count charge for alleged reprisal violence in Ukpam village where property was destroyed and 12 cattle killed. Investigators alleged that the attacks were part of a cycle of communal clashes that have left communities displaced and security stretched.
The DSS further accused 32-year-old Halima Haliru Umar from Faskari LGA in Katsina State of withholding vital intelligence on a suspected arms dealer and kidnap kingpin identified as Alhaji Sani. Prosecutors alleged she concealed information on the movement of weapons and ammunition intended for criminal groups operating across the North Central corridor.
In a separate charge, Silas Iduh Oloche from Agatu LGA of Benue was docked for unlawful possession of 18 assorted firearms, including grenades, in violation of the Firearms Act. Similarly, 75-year-old Nanbol Tali and Timnan Manjo from Plateau State were accused of selling two locally fabricated AK-47 rifles for N3 million, while 62-year-old Danjuma Antu of Jos North was arraigned for unlawful possession of two pistols and 9mm rounds.
The charges, filed by the Director of Public Prosecutions on behalf of the Federal Government, underscore the gravity of insecurity in the North Central states where clashes, reprisal raids, and arms trafficking have led to persistent bloodshed. The court is expected to take up bail applications when proceedings resume.
