DSS Arraigns 9 Suspects Over Benue, Plateau Killings

The Department of State Services (DSS) on Wednesday arraigned nine individuals identified as prime suspects before the Federal High Court, Abuja, in connection with the recent wave of killings across Benue and Plateau States.

The suspects include Haruna Adamu and Muhammad Abdullahi, both from Awe local government area of Nasarawa State, who are facing four-count charge in connection with the killings in Abinsi and Yelewata villages of Guma LGA of Benue State.

According to the secret police, the suspects allegedly committed the offence on June 13, 2025, in collaboration with others who remain at large.

Meanwhile, two other suspects, Terkende Ashuwa and Amos Alede, both from Guma LGA of Benue State, are also facing a three-count charge over allegation of reprisal attacks against the initial terror suspects, as well as the destruction of private property that led to the loss of 12 cattle in Ukpam Village of Benue State.

Separately, a 32-year-old Halima Haliru Umar from Faskari LGA, Katsina State, is also being prosecuted on a four-count charge for allegedly failing to disclose vital information concerning Alhaji Sani, identified as a suspected gunrunner, bandit, and kidnapper.

Similarly, the DSS filed a six-count charge against one Silas Iduh Oloche of Agatu LGA in Benue, accusing him of unlawful possession of 18 firearms, including grenades without a licence, an offence said to be punishable under Section 27 of the Firearms Act.

Meanwhile, A 75-year-old Nanbol Tali and Timnan Manjo, both natives of Plateau State, were arraigned on a four-count charge for allegedly trading two locally fabricated AK-47 rifles without a licence in a deal worth N3 million.

A 62-year-old Danjuma Antu from Jos North LGA of Plateau State similarly was arraigned on a five-count charge for allegedly being in unlawful possession of two locally made pistols and firearms designed to fire 9mm rounds.