A Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled the trial of Ansaru terrorist leaders Mahmud Usman and Abubakar Abba to begin on January 15, 2026. The suspects were captured by the Department of State Services (DSS).

The trial was initially set for Wednesday but was postponed after the suspects’ lawyer requested more time to access the charges and study the proof of evidence, which remain with the DSS. Justice Emeka Nwite granted the adjournment, instructing the defense to follow DSS protocol for client visits and to copy the prosecutor on such requests.

Background of Charges:

• Mahmud Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a, pleaded guilty to Count 10 of a 32-count terrorism charge related to economic crimes. He denied the remaining 31 counts and was sentenced on September 11 to 15 years in prison for illegal mining and using proceeds to acquire arms.
• Abubakar Abba, known as Mahmud Al-Nigeri, pleaded not guilty to all charges.

The Director of Public Prosecution, Mohammed Babadoko Abubakar, alleged the duo committed crimes between 2015 and 2024, including:

• Bombing the Wawa Military Cantonment in Niger State
• Kidnapping a Customs officer and an Immigration officer (the latter was killed)
• Receiving weapons and terror training in Sudan and Mali
• Financing terrorism through illegal mining and ransoms

The suspects were accused of terrorism financing, creating improvised explosive devices, and concealing information on terror attacks.

Ansaru, a breakaway faction of Boko Haram, has been linked to multiple high-profile attacks and kidnappings across Nigeria. The defendants were captured between May and July 2025 following intelligence-led operations.

Justice Nwite ordered both suspects to remain in DSS custody pending the trial.