Two suspected senior commanders of Ansaru, including the group’s self-styled emir, Mahmud Usman, and his deputy, Abubakar Abba, on Monday changed their plea and admitted guilt to a 32-count terrorism charge before the Federal High Court in Abuja
Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a, Abbas, and Mukhtar, alongside Abba, also referred to as Mahmud al-Nigeri and Malam Mamuda, had initially pleaded not guilty when they were arraigned by the Department of State Services (DSS) in September 2025.
Bala Dakum, Their lawyer, informed Justice Emeka Nwite that the defendants had, after consultations, decided to change their pleas.
The court subsequently allowed the charges to be read again, following no objection from the DSS counsel, David Kaswe. Related News Cash-rich states struggle to turn windfall into better services Tinubu orders major military overhaul, expands Army to 12 divisions [FULL LIST] Court jails three for life over Oriire school abduction
The development marks a major shift in the ongoing prosecution of the suspected Ansaru leaders, who are facing allegations bordering on terrorism-related activities and other offences.
