Key Points

• Court postpones trial of Ansaru commander Mahmud Usman to November 19.

• Usman faces terrorism and kidnapping charges tied to Ansaru operations.

• Prosecutors say he coordinated sleeper cells and financed terror attacks.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has postponed the trial of detained Ansaru commander Mahmud Usman until November 19 after the Department of State Services (DSS) requested an adjournment.

Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a, is facing a 32-count terrorism charge with his alleged deputy, Abubakar Abba, known as Mahmud Al-Nigeri or Isah Adam/Mallam Mamuda.

The Federal Government accuses both men of masterminding deadly attacks, kidnappings, and other terror-related crimes across Nigeria.

Federal Government outlines terrorism allegations

Ansaru, a splinter faction of Boko Haram, has been tied to several high-profile attacks and abductions in Nigeria.

Prosecutors allege that Usman and his deputy were captured between May and July 2025 during intelligence-led operations.

They reportedly played major roles in organizing and financing multiple terrorist activities.

Court documents marked FHC/ABJ/CR/464/2025 show the government’s claim that the men collected millions of naira in ransom from families of kidnap victims.

Both were also accused of conspiring to serve as top commanders of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimeena Fii Bilaadis Sudan (JAMBS/Ansaru), a proscribed group with links to Al Qaeda.

The government further alleged that they received training in weapons handling, explosives, and guerrilla tactics from Jama’atu Nusratil Islami Wal Muslimin (JNIM), a Mali-based terrorist organization.

Usman accused of coordinating terror cells

Prosecutors described Usman, a native of Okene in Kogi State, as a coordinator of sleeper terror cells across Nigeria.

They said he planned several kidnappings and robberies that funded terrorist operations.

Authorities also linked Usman and his group to the 2022 attack on Wawa Cantonment of the Nigerian Army in New-Bussa, Niger State, which caused heavy casualties.

National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu confirmed their arrest on August 16, calling them high-profile suspects who had been on both national and international watch lists.

Court grants adjournment after DSS request

When the matter came up on Tuesday, DSS counsel Mohammed Abubakar wrote to the court explaining his absence and asked for a new date. The defense team did not object.

Justice Emeka Nwite approved the request and set November 19 for the continuation of the trial.

Usman was previously sentenced to 15 years in prison on September 11 after pleading guilty to a separate case involving the use of illegal mining proceeds to fund terrorism and kidnapping.

He denied the remaining charges in this broader case. His co-defendant, Abba, pleaded not guilty to all counts.