TERRORISM TRIAL POSTPONED: COURT DEFERS HEARING OF ANSARU COMMANDER USMAN TO NOV 19

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Abuja, Nigeria — The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday adjourned the trial of alleged Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimeena Fii Bilaadis Sudan (Ansaru) commander Mahmud Usman (also known as Abu Bara’a) until 19 November 2025.

Usman is facing a 32-count charge brought by the Federal Government, alongside his alleged deputy Abubakar Abba (popularly referred to as Mahmud Al-Nigeri/Isah Adam/Mallam Mamuda).

The charges include involvement in high-profile terrorist attacks, kidnappings, receipt of ransom payments, training in explosives, and links to international terrorist networks.

The court acknowledged a letter from the counsel representing the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, explaining his unavailability for proceedings. Neither the prosecution nor defence opposed the adjournment request.

Usman, who hails from Okene Local Government Area in Kogi State, and Abba from Daura Local Government Area in Katsina State, are accused of masterminding several terror operations between 2013 and 2015, operating sleeper-cells across Nigeria, and associating with foreign terror groups such as the Jama’atu Nusratil Islami Wal Muslimin (JNIM) of Mali.

The trial deferral comes shortly after Usman pleaded guilty to one count on 11 September and received a 15-year sentence in connection with illegal mining and arms dealings, though he denies the full extent of the terror-related allegations. Abba has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

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