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The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the terrorism trial of alleged Ansaru commander Abubakar Abba, also known as Abu Bara, until July 20, giving him time to decide whether to withdraw his earlier not guilty plea. Abba is standing trial alongside Mahmud Usman (Isah Adam/Mahmud Al-Nigeri) before Justice Emeka Nwite on a 32-count charge bordering on terrorism, terrorism financing, kidnapping, illegal mining, fabrication of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and other related offences.
During Thursday’s proceedings, Abba informed the court that he intended to review his plea but later told the judge, after consulting with his lawyer, Husseina Tukur, that he had not yet reached a final decision. Prosecuting counsel David Kaswe opposed another adjournment, arguing that the defendant had previously sought additional time and urging the court to proceed with the trial if no decision had been made. Justice Nwite, however, ruled that the request had been formally raised on record for the first time and granted the adjournment to allow the defendant make up his mind.
The defendants were arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) in separate operations between May and July 2025. While Abba pleaded not guilty to all charges, his co-defendant, Usman, earlier admitted guilt to one count of illegal mining used to finance terrorism and was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment on that count, although he denied the remaining charges. The prosecution alleges the suspects coordinated terrorist sleeper cells, maintained links with extremist groups operating across the Sahel and Maghreb, and participated in terrorism-related activities across several parts of Nigeria.
