The Department of State Services (DSS) on Wednesday arraigned nine individuals before the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged involvement in killings and terrorism-related activities in Benue and Plateau states.
The defendants, facing charges ranging from unlawful possession of firearms to aiding terrorism, were arraigned in six separate cases. Those charged include Terkende Ashuwa (46), Amos Alede (44), Haruna Adamu (26), Muhammed Abdullahi (48), Halima Haliru Usman (32), Timna Manjo (46), Nanbol Tali (75), Danjuma Antu (62), and Silas Iduh Oloche.
Only Manjo pleaded guilty to two of the four counts preferred against him and Tali, which involved the purchase and resale of locally fabricated firearms.
The other defendants were accused of participating in meetings linked to terrorism, receiving weapons for attacks, concealing information on planned killings, transporting ammunition, and unlawful possession of firearms.
Justice Emeka Nwite ordered the defendants remanded in DSS custody with access to legal representation. He adjourned trials in the various cases to October 2, 9, and 17, depending on the charge.
In a separate development, the DSS filed fresh charges against a suspected gunrunner, Huzaifa Ahamad Haruna (alias Huzaifa Dogo), accused of transporting seven M-16 assault rifles and empty magazines in Plateau State. He also allegedly moved five rifles to Wase Local Government Area earlier in the year.
