Two high-profile commanders of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimeena Fii Bilaadis Sudan, Ansaru, have been arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja on a 32-count terrorism charge, with one of them already convicted and sentenced while the other signals a possible change of plea.
The defendants, Mahmud Usman alias Abu Bara’a, and Abubakar Abba alias Mahmud Al-Nigeri or Isah Adam, are accused of terrorism financing, kidnapping for ransom, and fabrication of Improvised Explosive Devices, IEDs, in connection with attacks linked to the Al-Qaeda-affiliated group.
The Arraignment And Charges
The Department of State Services, DSS, charged the men in suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/464/2025 before Justice Emeka Nwite.
According to the prosecution, Usman, from Okene Local Government Area of Kogi State, and Abba, from Daura LGA of Katsina State, conspired between 2013 and 2015 to serve as top commanders of Ansaru, a proscribed organization in Nigeria linked to Al-Qaeda.
The 32 counts cover aiding and abetting terrorist attacks, kidnapping for ransom, terrorism financing, illegal mining, and IED fabrication. Prosecutors allege the pair received training in weapons handling, IED fabrication, and war tactics from Jama’atu Nusratil Islami Wal Muslimin, JNIM, a Mali-based terrorist group. A DSS witness also told the court the defendants admitted to receiving training in Libya from instructors from Egypt, Tunisia and Algeria.
The charge sheet further links them to major incidents, including the 2022 attack on Wawa Cantonment of the Nigerian Army in New Bussa, Niger State, which resulted in mass casualties, and the July 2022 Kuje prison attack during which more than 600 inmates were freed. Usman was described as the “coordinator of terrorist sleeper cells across Nigeria and the mastermind of several high-profile kidnappings and armed robberies used to fund terrorism”.
Guilty Plea And 15-Year Sentence
Proceedings, held under tight security at the Federal High Court in Abuja, took a decisive turn when Usman pleaded guilty to Count 10, which accused him of engaging in illegal mining of precious minerals without lawful authority to fund arms purchases for terrorism and kidnapping operations.
Justice Nwite convicted Usman on that count and sentenced him to 15 years’ imprisonment. The judge ordered that he remain in DSS custody pending the determination of the remaining 31 counts against him.
Prosecutors had urged the court to impose the maximum penalty of life imprisonment, citing 31 other terrorism-related charges still pending. Usman’s counsel pleaded for leniency, arguing he was a first-time offender.
Abba Weighs Change Of Plea
Abubakar Abba initially pleaded not guilty to all 32 counts. However, at a recent sitting, his counsel informed the court that the defendant intended to reconsider his plea.
After consulting with his lawyer, Husseina Tukur, Abba told the court he was still undecided on whether to change his plea or retain the earlier not guilty position. The prosecution opposed further delay, but Justice Nwite granted time for the defendant to make up his mind and adjourned the matter to July 20, 2026 for plea decision or continuation of trial.
Who Is Ansaru
Ansaru emerged as a breakaway faction of Boko Haram and has been linked to several high-profile attacks and kidnappings across northern Nigeria. Security analysts say the group maintains ties with Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, AQIM, and has increasingly collaborated with foreign terror organizations in West Africa.
The National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, announced the arrest of Usman and Abba on August 16, stating the suspects had long been on both national and international terror watchlists. They were captured between May and July 2025 in intelligence-led operations by Nigeria’s security agencies.
Both men remain in DSS custody as the trial continues. The court has fixed future dates to hear the remaining counts, which include terrorism financing, kidnapping, and IED-related offences.
Legal experts note that the guilty plea on the economic sabotage count gives prosecutors leverage as the broader terrorism trial proceeds. The case is being closely watched as one of the most significant prosecutions of Ansaru leadership in Nigeria.
For the Federal Government, the arraignment marks a major step in its crackdown on Ansaru’s network of sleeper cells, kidnapping rings, and funding channels across the North-West, North-Central, South-West, Edo and Delta States.
Justice Nwite adjourned proceedings to allow Abba to finalize his plea decision, with the court expected to determine whether the trial will proceed on all 32 counts or narrow based on further admissions.
The case continues.
