A Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled July 20 for the continuation of the trial against two alleged leaders of the Ansaru militant group, an organization associated with Al-Qaeda. The accused, Mahmud Usman, known as Abu Bara’a, and Abubakar Abba, also identified as Mahmud Al-Nigeri, face multiple terrorism-related charges filed by the Department of State Service.
The prosecution alleges that both men played key roles in violent activities between 2013 and 2015 and served as commanders for the banned group. The DSS claims the men received military training from the JNIM terrorist faction based in Mali and participated in the 2022 raid on the Wawa Cantonment in Niger State. Furthermore, Usman is accused of organizing sleeper cells and orchestrating kidnappings to finance terrorist operations.
While Usman was previously sentenced to 15 years in prison following a guilty plea related to illegal mining, proceedings for the 32-count charge continue. During Thursday’s session, the second defendant, Abba, indicated he might change his plea to guilty but ultimately requested more time to decide. Despite the prosecution’s request to continue immediately, Justice Emeka Nwite opted to grant the adjournment.
The two men were apprehended in mid-2025 following intelligence-led operations, an effort highlighted by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu after the suspects had appeared on various international watch lists.
