UPDATED: One pleads guilty to unlawful possession of firearms as DSS arraigns nine prime suspects over Benue, Plateau killings
By: Zagazola Makama
The Department of State Services (DSS) on Wednesday arraigned nine individuals before a Federal High Court in Abuja over their alleged involvement in recent killings in Benue and Plateau states, with one suspect pleading guilty to unlawful possession of firearms.
The nine suspects, facing six separate charges, are accused of offences ranging from unlawful possession and dealing in firearms to assisting in acts of terrorism.
They include Terkende Ashuwa (46) and Amos Alede (44) of Benue State; Haruna Adamu (26) and Muhammed Abdullahi (48) of Nasarawa State; Halima Haliru Usman (32) of Katsina State; Timna Manjo (46) and Nanbol Tali (75); Danjuma Antu (62) and Silas Iduh Oloche, all of Plateau State.
Of the nine, Timna Manjo, who was arraigned alongside Nanbol Tali, pleaded guilty to two counts of unlawful possession and trade in firearms. According to the charge sheet, Manjo admitted to buying and selling two locally fabricated AK-47 rifles for N3,000,000 and purchasing three long-range revolver rifles at N60,000 each for resale.
The other suspects pleaded not guilty to charges that included participation in meetings linked to acts of terrorism, concealing information about planned attacks, and providing material support for terrorist activities.
Ashuwa and Alede are accused of soliciting and receiving firearms from a source identified as Alhaji Uba to facilitate acts of terrorism in Ukpam village, Benue State, leading to the destruction of property and loss of cattle. Adamu and Abdullahi are said to have attended meetings in Nasarawa State connected to killings in Abinsi and Yelwata villages, Benue State, while Mrs. Umar is alleged to have transported 302 rounds of live AK-47 ammunition to Plateau State.
Justice Emeka Nwite ordered that all nine defendants remain in DSS custody and be granted access to their legal counsel. The court adjourned the cases to October 2, 9, and 17 for trial, depending on the charges.
In a related development, the DSS filed a fresh five-count charge against Huzaifa Ahamad Haruna (aka Huzaifa Dogo), who was allegedly arrested with seven M16 assault rifles. The charge sheet alleges that Haruna provided material assistance and transportation of the firearms to facilitate terrorist activities in Plateau State.
The DSS continues to underscore its commitment to bringing perpetrators of terrorism and violent crimes to justice, ensuring that investigations are thorough and that suspects are prosecuted in line with the law.
