The Department of State Services, DSS has filed six separate charges against suspected terrorists behind deadly attacks on Yelewata community in Guma LGA of Benue state, which left several people dead and others injured.
The suspects were apprehended based on intelligence by DSS operatives. Two of the nine suspects have been charged to court on 4-count charge in relation to the Yelewata massacre.
The criminal suspects are Haruna Adamu and Muhammad Abdullahi of Awe LGA of Nassarawa State, AIT reports said.
The offence is said to be contrary to and punishable under section 12 of terrorism prevention Act, 2022.
The two defendants were said to have conspired with Musa Beniyon, Bako Malowa, Ibrahim Tunga, Asara Ahnadu, Legu Musa, Adamu Yale, Boddi Ayuba and Pyeure Damina and others still at large to carry out the Yelewata attack.
The DSS in the charge also accused the two defendants of knowingly concealing information on the planned act of terrorism and killings in Abinsi and Yelewata Communities.
The ferocious attacks occurred between June 13 and 14 which could have assisted in apprehending and preventing the commissioning of the terror act.
In the charge filed by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, DPPF, Muhammad Abubakar, the two defendants were also accused of conspiring to commit terrorism act with Musa Beniyon, Bako Malowa, Ibrahim Tunga, Asara Ahnadu, Legu Musa, Adamu Yale, Boddi Ayuba and Pyeure Damina and others still at large for the commissioning of the terror act in Abinsi and Yelewata contrary to section 29 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act. 2022.
In another charge, two other suspects Terkende Ashuwa and Amos Alede of Guma LGA of Benue State were slammed with a three-count charge for allegedly carrying out reprisal attacks against the terror suspects, involved in Abinsi and Yelewata deadly attacks.
In the charge, the two suspects were accused of attending and participating in a meeting which led to commissioning of acts of terrorism, causing destruction to a private property resulting in economic loss of 12 cattle in Ukpam village, Benue State contrary to section 12 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act.
In another charge, a 32-year-old woman, Halima Haliru Umar of Faskari LGA of Kastina State was slammed with a four-count charge of concealing information about one Alhaji Sani, a suspected gun runner, bandit and kidnapper which would have led to apprehending and preventing act of terrorism contrary to section 6 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act.
She was said to have in July 2025 rendered support for commissioning of act of terrorism by providing transportation of 302 rounds of AK-47 rifle life ammunition to bandits contrary to section 13 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act.
In another development, a 75-year-old man, Nanbol Tali and Timnan Manjo were also slammed with four-count charge on allegations of engaging in buying and selling of two locally fabricated AK-47 rifles without license at the rate of N3 million contrary to section 9 and punishable under 27 of the Firearms Act 2024.
The suspects were accused of having a locally fabricated Ak-47 rifle in their possession in Manju LGA of plateau state. They are also charged with buying three long range revolvers rifles at the rate of N60,000 each from one Chomo for resell to bandits.
The DSS brought another six-count charge against one Silas Iduh Oloche of Agatu LGA Benue state for unlawful possession of 18 firearms (grenades) without license contrary to 3 and punishable under section 27 of the Firearms Act.
He was said to have on August 2, 2025 been in possession of 683 live rounds of 7.62mm ammunition contrary to Section 8 of the Firearms Act.
The court is yet to fix a date for the trial of the suspects currently in the custody of DSS.
