The Federal High Court in Abuja has given a suspected commander of Ansaru, an Al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorist group, Abubakar Abba, until July 20 to decide whether to change his plea to the terrorism-related charges brought against him by the Department of State Services (DSS).
Abba, also known as Abu Bara’a, is standing trial alongside Mahmud Usman, alias Isah Adam or Mahmud Al-Nigeri, before Justice Emeka Nwite on multiple terrorism-related charges.
At Thursday’s proceedings, the case took a dramatic turn when Abba informed the court of his intention to withdraw his earlier plea of not guilty. However, after consulting with his counsel, Husseina Tukur, he told the court he had not yet decided whether to plead guilty or maintain his previous plea.
Prosecuting counsel, David Kaswe, opposed any further delay, arguing that the defendant had made a similar request at the previous hearing. He urged the court to proceed with the trial if Abba remained undecided.
In a brief ruling, Justice Nwite held that it was the first time the defendant had formally indicated on record his intention to reconsider his plea. The judge therefore granted him the opportunity to make a final decision.
The matter was adjourned until July 20, when Abba is expected either to change his plea or the court will proceed with the continuation of trial.
The defendants were arrested in separate DSS operations between May and July 2025. They face a 32-count charge bordering on terrorism, terrorism financing, kidnapping for ransom, illegal mining, fabrication of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), and other related offences.
According to the prosecution, the suspects coordinated sleeper cells, facilitated terrorist attacks, and maintained links with extremist groups operating across the Sahel and Maghreb regions.
At his arraignment, Mahmud Usman pleaded guilty to one count of illegal mining for the purpose of financing terrorism and procuring arms. He was subsequently sentenced to 15 years imprisonment. He, however, pleaded not guilty to the remaining 31 counts, while Abba pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
