DSS Arraigns Nine Suspects Over Yelwata, Plateau Killings and Terrorism Charges

The Department of State Services (DSS) on Wednesday arraigned nine suspects accused of involvement in the deadly attack on Yelwata, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, as well as other incidents in Plateau State.

The defendants, arraigned on six separate charges, appeared before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja, where they took turns to enter their pleas.

According to DSS counsel Calistus Eze, the charges—filed on August 28—include allegations of unlawful possession of firearms, dealing in weapons, and aiding terrorist activities.

In one case marked FHC/ABJ/CR/449/2025, Haruna Adamu and Muhammad Abdullahi of Awe LGA, Nasarawa State, were accused alongside others still at large of participating in the June 13 attacks on Abinsi and Yelwata villages. The violence left several people dead, many injured, and hundreds displaced.

The DSS noted that the offence violates Section 12 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022. Adamu and Abdullahi were said to have conspired with Musa Beniyon, Bako Malowa, Ibrahim Tunga, Asara Ahnadu, Legu Musa, Adamu Yale, Boddi Ayuba, and Pyeure Damina, among others, to carry out the attacks.

All the defendants pleaded not guilty. Justice Nwite ordered their remand in DSS custody with access to legal counsel.

For the cases involving Ashuwa, Alede, and Halima Umar, the trial was adjourned to October 2, while proceedings for Manjo and Tali were shifted to October 17. The trial of Antu and Oloche was also set for the same date.

Meanwhile, the DSS has filed a fresh five-count charge against suspected gunrunner Huzaifa Ahamad Haruna, also known as Huzaifa Dogo, allegedly arrested with seven M16 assault rifles.