Benue, Plateau Massacres: DSS Arraigns Nine Suspects in Court

The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed multiple terrorism-related charges at the Federal High Court, Abuja, against nine suspects allegedly linked to recent deadly attacks in Yelwata, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, and parts of Plateau.

The Voice of the people (VOP) reports that the coordinated assaults left no fewer than 40 persons dead, many injured, and hundreds displaced.

According to charge sheet FHC/ABJ/CR/449/2025, the DSS alleged that Haruna Adamu and Muhammad Abdullahi of Awe LGA, Nasarawa State, conspired with several others still at large to launch attacks on Abinsi and Yelwata villages on June 13. The offences, the prosecution said, contravened Sections 12 and 29 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022.

In a separate charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/448/2025, two suspects — Terkende Ashuwa and Amos Alede of Guma LGA — were accused of staging reprisal attacks that led to the destruction of property and loss of cattle in Ukpam village, Benue. They were also alleged to have received firearms support from one Alhaji Uba to commit the acts of terrorism.

The DSS further arraigned 32-year-old Halima Haliru-Umar of Katsina State on a four-count charge of transporting 302 rounds of AK-47 ammunition to bandits and concealing information about an alleged gun runner, contrary to Sections 6 and 13 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act.

Similarly, two men, Nanbol Tali (75) and Timnan Manjo, were charged with unlawful arms dealing, including the purchase and resale of AK-47 rifles and revolvers, in violation of the Firearms Act, 2024.

Another suspect, Danjuma Antu of Jos North, was arraigned on a five-count charge of illegal possession of pistols, while Silas Oloche of Agatu LGA, Benue, faces six counts for alleged unlawful possession of 18 grenades and 683 rounds of live ammunition.

The cases, filed on behalf of the Federal Government by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), Muhammad Abubakar, are yet to be assigned a hearing date.