The Department of State Services (DSS) on Wednesday, September 3, brought nine individuals before a Federal High Court in Abuja, facing multiple charges linked to recent violent attacks in Benue and Plateau states.
Among the defendants, Timna Manjo pleaded guilty to two counts of unlawful possession of firearms, while the others entered their pleas on various allegations, including illegal possession and dealing in weapons, and aiding terrorism.
The defendants include Terkende Ashuwa and Amos Alede from Benue, Haruna Adamu and Muhammed Abdullahi from Nasarawa, Halima Haliru Usman from Katsina, Timna Manjo and Nanbol Tali from Plateau, Danjuma Antu from Jos North, and Silas Iduh Oloche.
Manjo admitted to engaging in the buying and selling of AK-47 rifles and long-range revolvers without a licence, activities dating between July and August 2025. Other defendants are accused of attending terror-related meetings, concealing information about planned attacks, and providing material support, including ammunition and firearms, for acts of terrorism across Benue and Plateau.
Justice Emeka Nwite remanded all nine in DSS custody with access to their lawyers, setting trial dates ranging from October 2 to October 17, 2025, for the various charges.
On the same day, DSS filed a new five-count charge against a suspected gunrunner, Huzaifa Ahmad Haruna (aka Huzaifa Dogo), arrested with seven M16 assault rifles and related equipment. Haruna is accused of providing material support and transporting weapons for acts of terrorism in Plateau State between March and August 2025.
The arraignments underscore ongoing efforts by security agencies to clamp down on armed violence and terrorism in the central Nigerian region.
