COURT ADJOURNS TRIAL OF TWO ALLEGED ANSARU LEADERS TO NOVEMBER 19

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The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the terrorism trial of two alleged leaders of the Ansaru terrorist group, Mahmud Muhammed Usman (also known as Abu Bara’a or Abbas Mukhtar) and Abubakar Abba (also known as Isah Adam or Mahmud Al-Nigeri), to November 19, 2025.

Justice Emeka Nwite postponed Tuesday’s proceedings following the absence of the prosecution counsel, Mohammed Abubakar, who wrote to the court apologising for his inability to attend and sought an adjournment to personally handle the case at the next sitting.

Counsel for the defendants did not oppose the request, prompting the court to grant the adjournment and fix a new date for the commencement of trial.

Usman, from Okene Local Government Area of Kogi State, and Abba, from Daura Local Government Area of Katsina State, are being prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS) on a 32-count charge bordering on terrorism, terrorism financing, and related offences.

During their arraignment on September 11, Usman pleaded guilty to one count related to illegal mining and was convicted and sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment on that count, while both defendants pleaded not guilty to the remaining 31 terrorism-related charges.

The DSS accused the duo of participating in the bombing of Wawa Military Cantonment in Niger State, kidnapping security personnel, and receiving terrorist training in Mali and Sudan.

They were further alleged to have financed terrorism, engaged in illegal mining, and procured arms and explosives using proceeds from ransom payments and illicit mining operations.

Justice Nwite ordered that the defendants remain in DSS custody pending the continuation of their trial on November 19.