Court fixes January 15 for trial of two Ansaru commanders

A federal high court in Abuja has fixed January 15, 2026, for the commencement of the trial of two alleged commanders of Ansaru, an Al-Qaeda-linked terrorist group.

The defendants — Mahmud Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a/Abbas/Mukhtar, described as the self-styled emir of Ansaru, and Mahmud al-Nigeri (a.k.a Malam Mamuda), his deputy and chief of staff — were arraigned on September 11 on a 32-count terrorism charge.

The trial was earlier scheduled to begin on Wednesday, but was adjourned by Emeka Nwite, the presiding judge, after counsel to the defendants asked for more time to access the case file.

At the proceedings, B. I. Bakum, counsel for the accused, told the court that the charge sheet and proof of evidence were still with the Department of State Services (DSS), where the suspects are being detained on court orders.

He requested that the defendants be transferred to a correctional facility to enable easier access and ensure a smooth trial.

But David Kaswe, counsel to the DSS, opposed the request and urged the court to proceed with the trial as scheduled, saying prosecution witnesses were already present in court.

Kaswe argued that DSS protocol requires defence counsel to write formally to the agency and copy him when seeking access to detained clients.

He said Bakum had not complied with the procedure, adding that observing the protocol would help avoid delays.

In a brief ruling, Justice Nwite said he would grant the defence request in the interest of fair hearing, and agreed to shift the commencement of trial.

The judge adjourned the matter to January 15 and ordered the defence lawyer to write formally to the DSS for permission to visit his clients and copy the prosecution to facilitate access going forward.