The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned ten individuals before a Federal High Court in Abuja, facing various charges related to recent deadly killings in Benue and Plateau States, unlawful possession of firearms, and aiding terrorism. The suspects were brought before the court on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, following a string of violent attacks that have claimed hundreds of lives and displaced thousands in the affected regions, notably an attack on June 13 that killed over 200 people in Yelewata and Daudu communities in Guma LGA, Benue.

Among those arraigned were Haruna Adamu (26) and Muhammad Abdullahi (48), both from Awe Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. They face a four-count charge for their alleged involvement in the killings in Abinsi and Yelewata, Guma LGA, Benue, committed on June 13, alongside others still at large. They are also accused of knowingly concealing information about these planned acts of terrorism.

Terkende Ashuwa (46) and Amos Alede (44), both from Guma LGA of Benue, were charged on three counts. Their charges include alleged reprisal attacks, attending a meeting in connection with acts of terrorism at Couch Bar, Daudu village in July, and knowingly soliciting or rendering support by receiving material assistance (locally-made guns and an AK-47 rifle) for acts of terrorism, which resulted in the destruction of private property and an economic loss of 12 cattle in Ukpam village, Benue State.

Halima Haliru Umar (32), from Faskari LGA of Katsina State, faced a four-count charge. She was accused of attempting to render support for the commission of acts of terrorism by providing material assistance and transportation of 302 rounds of AK-47 rifle live ammunition on July 7 in Barkin Ladi and Jos North LGAs of Plateau State. She was also charged with possessing the said ammunition and concealing information about Alhaji Sani, a suspected gunrunner, bandit, and kidnapper.

Silas Iduh Oloche from Agatu LGA in Benue was hit with a six-count charge for unlawful possession of 18 firearms, including grenades, without a license, in violation of Section 27 of the Firearms Act.

Two Plateau State residents, Nanbol Tali (75) and Timnan Manjo (46), were arraigned on a four-count charge for allegedly buying and selling two locally fabricated AK-47 rifles for N3 million sometime between July and August 2025. Manjo separately pleaded guilty to two out of the four counts, specifically engaging in the buying and selling of two locally fabricated AK-47 rifles and also buying three long-range Revolver Rifles for N60,000 each for resale. He also allegedly resold two locally-fabricated AK-47 rifles for N400,000 to an unidentified Reverend.

Danjuma Antu (62) of Jos North LGA, Plateau, was arraigned on a five-count charge. He is accused of unlawful possession of three live rounds of 9mm ammunition on June 27, 2025, and providing material support for the commission of acts of terrorism in Plateau State by transporting two locally fabricated pistols capable of discharging 9mm ammunition, three live rounds of 9mm ammunition, and one five-round of 8mm ammunition.

In a separate development on the same Wednesday, the DSS filed a fresh five-count charge against suspected gunrunner Huzaifa Ahamad Haruna (aka Huzaifa Dogo) of Barkin Ladi LGA, Plateau State. He is accused of knowingly rendering support for terrorism by providing material assistance for and transportation of seven M-16 assault rifles and seven empty magazines in a green Opel Vectra vehicle on August 30, 2025. Another count alleges similar conduct in March 2025, involving the transportation of five M-16 assault rifles from Dogo Village to one Wakili Julde in Wase LGA, Plateau State.

Following the defendants' pleas, Justice Emeka Nwite ordered their remand in DSS custody and ensured they would be granted access to their legal counsel. The trials for Ashuwa, Alede, and Halima Umar are set for October 2, while Adamu and Abdullahi will commence trial on October 9. The charges involving Manjo, Tali, Antu, and Oloche were adjourned until October 17 for trial.

These arraignments follow President Bola Tinubu's order for the arrest of culprits involved in the Yelewata attack, which led to the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, announcing the arrest of 28 suspects on June 24. The DSS actions underscore an ongoing effort to address the persistent insecurity and illegal arms proliferation in the central Nigerian states.