The State Security Service (SSS) has brought six charges against nine terror suspects accused of carrying out deadly attacks in Yelwata, Benue State.
The killings had forced a visit on June 17 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who promised that justice would be done.
Filed by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), Muhammad Abubakar, the charges detail gruesome crimes, including killings, arms trafficking, and illegal possession of firearms.
Two of the suspects, Haruna Adamu and Muhammad Abdullahi, both from Awe Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, were arraigned on four counts connected to the Yelwata massacre in Guma LGA, which left several people dead and others injured.
According to the charge sheet, they allegedly conspired with other suspects — including 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 coordinated terror attacks in Abinsi and Yelwata between June 13 and 14, 2025.
The SSS further accused them of withholding vital intelligence that could have prevented the killings. The offenses are contrary to and punishable under the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022.
Two other suspects, Terkende Ashuwa and Amos Alede, both from Guma LGA, Benue State, were also charged with participating in reprisal attacks linked to the Abinsi and Yelwata incidents.
They face a three-count charge for allegedly attending meetings that led to acts of terrorism, including the destruction of property and the killing of 12 cattle in Ukpam village, contrary to Section 12 of the Terrorism Act.
Halima Haliru Umar, a 32-year-old woman from Faskari LGA, Katsina State, was charged with concealing information about a suspected gunrunner and transporting 302 rounds of AK-47 live ammunition for bandits in July 2025.
Nanbol Tali (75) and Timnan Manjo, both from Plateau State, face a four-count charge for allegedly buying and selling two locally fabricated AK-47 rifles for ₦3 million and reselling revolvers to bandits, in violation of the Firearms Act 2024.
Silas Iduh Oloche of Agatu LGA, Benue State, faces a six-count charge for unlawful possession of 18 grenades and 683 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition as of August 2, 2025.
While the SSS has confirmed that all suspects are in custody, no official trial date has been set.
