• 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.‎

Senator Okey Ezea, who represents Enugu North Senatorial District, is dead.

Senator Ezea, the only remaining Labour Party’s lawmaker from Enugu State in the Red Chamber, died yesterday in the United Kingdom, where he was receiving medical treatment.

Popularly known as Ideke, Ezea defeated former Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of the Peoples Democratic Party to clinch the Enugu North seat in the 2023 senatorial election.

The news of his death was confirmed by his colleague, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, who expressed deep shock and sorrow.

Kalu described Ezea as a close friend, noting that their bond extended beyond legislative work to shared moments of worship at a Catholic chapel.

He praised the deceased senator as humble, principled, and God fearing, adding that Ezea’s contributions to the Senate were marked by courage and convictions.

Senator Kalu also condoled with the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, and the Nsukka community, acknowledging Ezea’s dedication to serving his constituents.

He prayed for comfort for Ezea’s family, describing him as a noble man whose legacy will endure.

Senator Okey Ezea’s death marks the second death in the 10th Senate, following the death of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah last year.

Forty-four members of the House of Representatives have written to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, appealing for the release of the leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, from custody.

The lawmakers under the aegis of Concerned Federal Lawmakers, in a letter addressed to the president, urged him to, “as soon as practicable”, direct the Attorney-General of the Federation to exercise his constitutional powers and discontinue the prosecution of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

The letter was signed by Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, Hon. Harrison Nwadike, Hon. Obi Aguocha, Hon. Murphy Osaro, Hon. Peter Akpanke, Hon. Mudshiru Lukman, Hon. Paul Nnamechi, Hon. Barr. Sunday Cyriacus, Hon. Obed Shehu, Hon. Dominic, Hon. Ugwu Emmanuel, Hon. Daniel Asama Ago, Hon. Chike John Okafor and Hon. Adam Ogene Ogbaru.

Other lawmakers, who signed the letter, are Hon. Emeka Martins Chinedu, Hon. Chimaobi Sam, Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, Hon. Donatus Matthew, Hon. Ibe Osonwa, Barr. Okey-Joe Onuakalusi, Hon. Mudashiru Lukman, Hon. Thaddeus Atta, Hon. Udema H. Okonkwo, Hon. Cyril Godwin, Hon. Princess Chinwe Nnabuike, Hon. Kama Nkemkama, Hon. Peter Aniekwe, Hon. Gwachem Maureen, Hon. Onwunka, Hon. Anayo Onwuegbu, Hon. Nwobosi Joseph, Hon. Amobi Godwin.

Hon. Princess Chinwe Nnabuike, Hon. Kama Nkemkama, Hon. Peter Aniekwe, Hon. Gwachem Maureen, Hon. Onwunka, Hon. Anayo Onwuegbu, Hon. Nwobosi Joseph, Hon. Amobi Godwin, Hon. Blessing Amadi, Hon. Anthony Adebayo Adepoju, Hon. Dr. Joshua Audu Gana, Hon. Chris Nkwonta, Hon. Emeka Idu, Hon. Peter Ifeanyi Uzokwe, Hon. Matthew Nwogu, Hon. Tochukwu Okere, Hon. Benedict Etanabene, Hon. Godwin Offiono, Hon. Ngozi Okolie and Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi.

(From Daily Trust)