The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned nine individuals before the Federal High Court in Abuja over their alleged involvement in recent killings in Benue and Plateau states. The suspects face six separate charges, including unlawful possession and trafficking of firearms, and aiding terrorism.

*Suspects and Charges*

– *Terkende Ashuwa* (46) and *Amos Alede* (44) from Guma Local Government Area (LGA) in Benue State: Accused of attending a meeting where they procured locally made guns and an AK-47 rifle to facilitate terrorist acts.
– *Haruna Adamu* (26) and *Muhammed Abdullahi* (48) from Awe LGA, Nasarawa State: Charged with participating in a meeting linked to terrorist activities and killings in Guma LGA, Benue State.
– *Halima Haliru Usman* (32) from Katsina State: Accused of transporting and possessing 302 rounds of live AK-47 ammunition in Plateau State.
– *Timna Manjo* (46) and *Nanbol Tali* (75), both of Plateau State: Charged with illegal possession of firearms.
– *Danjuma Antu* (62) of Jos North LGA, Plateau State: Accused of unlawful possession of live ammunition and firearms and providing material support for terrorism.
– *Silas Iduh Oloche*: Accused of involvement in terrorist activities.

*Guilty Plea*

Only Timna Manjo pleaded guilty to two counts of unlawful possession and dealing in firearms. He admitted to:
– Illegally buying and selling two locally made AK-47 rifles in Barkin Ladi LGA, Plateau State, between July and August 2025.
– Purchasing three long-range revolver rifles for ₦60,000 each in July 2025 in Mangu LGA for resale.

*Trial Dates*

The court scheduled trial dates as follows¹ ²:
– *October 2*: Ashuwa, Alede, and Halima Usman
– *October 9*: Adamu and Abdullahi
– *October 17*: Manjo, Tali, Antu, and Oloche

*New Charge*

The DSS also filed a new five-count charge against Huzaifa Ahamad Haruna, accused of transporting seven M16 assault rifles and ammunition in Plateau State, supporting terrorist activities.