News
Court Shifts Trial of Ansaru Terrorist Suspects to January 2026
The trial, initially scheduled to begin on Wednesday, was adjourned by Justice Emeka Nwite following pleas by defense counsel for additional time to be served with the charges and to study the proof of evidence.
• Federal High Court Abuja
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ruled that the trial of two leaders of the Ansaru terrorist group, Mahmud Usman and Abubakar Abba, captured by the Department of State Services (DSS), will commence on January 15, 2026.
The trial, initially scheduled to begin on Wednesday, was adjourned by Justice Emeka Nwite following pleas by defense counsel for additional time to be served with the charges and to study the proof of evidence.
During today’s proceedings, defense lawyer Bala Bakum informed the court that the charge and proof of evidence remained with the DSS, where the suspects are being detained on court orders.
He requested that the defendants be moved to a correctional facility to enable easier access and ensure a smooth trial.
However, DSS counsel David Kaswe, an Assistant Director in the Federal Ministry of Justice, opposed the application, insisting that the trial proceed as scheduled since witnesses were already present in court.
Kaswe argued that DSS protocol requires defense counsel to formally request permission to visit clients and copy the prosecutor, a procedure he said had not been followed.In his ruling, Justice Nwite emphasized the need for fair hearing and adjourned the trial to January 15, 2026.
He directed the defense lawyer to comply with DSS protocol by formally writing for permission to visit the defendants and copying the prosecution.
Usman and Abba are being prosecuted on terrorism charges.
Usman has pleaded guilty to Count 10 of a 32‑count charge relating to economic crimes, while denying the remaining 31 counts. Abba pleaded not guilty to all charges.
On September 11, Usman was sentenced to 15 years in prison after admitting to have engagied in illegal mining and using the proceeds to acquire arms for terrorism and kidnapping activities.
The defendants are accused of bombing the Wawa Military Cantonment in Niger State, receiving weapons training, fabricating improvised explosive devices, and engaging in terrorism financing.
The DSS further alleged that the suspects kidnapped a Customs officer and an Immigration officer—who was later killed in custody—collected millions of naira in ransom payments, and engaged in unlawful mineral mining without a valid license.
Proceeds from these activities were allegedly used to procure arms and ammunition, including IEDs.
Investigators also claim the defendants received training in Sudan and Mali, facilitated similar training for followers, and concealed information on planned terror attacks in Niger State.
Ansaru, a breakaway faction of Boko Haram, has been linked to several high‑profile attacks and kidnappings across Nigeria.
Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a, and his alleged deputy Abubakar Abba, popularly called Mahmud Al‑Nigeri or Isah Adam/Mallam Mamuda, were captured between May and July 2025 in intelligence‑led operations.
News
Google to allow users sign in with selfie video
According to Google, the feature is designed to distinguish real users from cybercriminals attempting to use fake images or AI-generated videos to bypass security measures.
Google has introduced a new selfie video sign-in feature that allows users to access their accounts using facial verification.
The company announced on Thursday that the feature is designed to provide users with an alternative way to regain access to their accounts if they are locked out or unable to use their regular device, marking another step in the technology industry’s shift away from traditional passwords toward biometric authentication.
To activate the feature, users will record a short selfie video by following on-screen prompts that require simple head movements, such as turning left, turning right, or nodding. The video captures different angles of the user’s face and is securely saved to their account.
When users later need to verify their identity, they can record another selfie video. Google will compare the new recording with the original one created during setup to confirm the person’s identity before granting access.According to Google, the feature is designed to distinguish real users from cybercriminals attempting to use fake images or AI-generated videos to bypass security measures.
News
Tinubu approves expanding Nigerian Army to 12 new divisions
The establishment of the new Divisions in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin City will significantly improve command and control, decentralise operational decision-making, strengthen border security…
PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu, has approved the expansion of the Nigerian Army’s structure from eight to 12 divisions.
A statement by the presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, said that the approval underscores the president’s unwavering commitment to equipping the Armed Forces to address Nigeria’s evolving security challenges effectively and to strengthen national defence capabilities further.
According to Onanuga, the expansion builds on the Administration’s sustained investments in the Armed Forces, including approval for the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel, acquisition of critical military platforms and equipment, improvements in troop welfare, and ongoing support for operational readiness and force modernisation.
He explained that under the new structure, the Nigerian Army will operate twelve divisions, strategically positioned across the country .
“The establishment of the new Divisions in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin City will significantly improve command and control, decentralise operational decision-making, strengthen border security, enhance the protection of critical national infrastructure, improve counter-insurgency and internal security operations, and ensure faster military response to emerging threats nationwide,” said the statement.
News
FAAN evacuate 68 Passengers as Enugu Air crash-lands in Benin Airport
The flight was said to have originated from Lagos to Benin and had reportedly been cleared to land but overshot the runway, apparently due to heavy rainfall.
Sixty-eight passengers narrowly escaped death when an Enugu Air aircraft crash-landed at the Benin Airport on Thursday.
The aircraft, with Registration Number 5N-ENR, reportedly had 68 passengers on board, apart from the crew members.
The aircraft was on an Enugu-Benin-Lagos commercial flight when the incident occurred.
The aircraft overshot the runway and entered the nearby bush.
Following this, the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), immediately swung into action and all the passengers were evacuated. No casualty was recorded.
Further details of the crash emerged later, indicating that some of the passengers sustained injuries.
The flight was said to have originated from Lagos to Benin and had reportedly been cleared to land but overshot the runway, apparently due to heavy rainfall.
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