Two suspected senior commanders of the Ansaru terrorist group have pleaded guilty to 32 terrorism-related charges before the Federal High Court in Abuja, reversing their earlier not-guilty pleas after months of legal proceedings.
The defendants, Mahmud Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a, Abbas and Mukhtar, whom prosecutors identified as the self-styled Emir of Ansaru, and Abubakar Abba, also known as Mahmud al-Nigeri and Malam Mamuda, admitted all charges before Justice Emeka Nwite on Monday.
Their lawyer, Bala Dakum, informed the court that both men had decided to change their pleas after consultations.
“After consultation with the defendants, my lord, they have agreed and are ready to change their plea. We apply that the charge be read to them accordingly.”
Counsel for the State Security Service (SSS), David Kaswe, did not oppose the application, after which the court ordered the 32-count charge to be read again.
Both defendants pleaded guilty to all counts.
The suspects were first arraigned on September 11, 2025, on charges bordering on terrorism, terrorism financing, kidnapping for ransom, illegal mining, fabrication of improvised explosive devices and other related offences.
Prosecutors also alleged that they coordinated sleeper cells, organised terrorist attacks and maintained links with Al-Qaeda-affiliated groups operating across the Sahel and Maghreb.
At their initial arraignment, Usman pleaded guilty to a single count of illegal mining used to finance terrorism. He was convicted and sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment on that count but denied the remaining charges.
Abba pleaded not guilty to all charges at the time, and both men were remanded in SSS custody.
The trial later faced delays after defence counsel complained that security officials denied him access to the defendants to prepare their case.
When proceedings resumed, an SSS operative identified by the codename “Triple A” testified that the defendants confessed to receiving weapons and explosives training in Libya and admitted maintaining links with terrorist organisations across the Sahel and Maghreb.
The witness also alleged that both suspects admitted involvement in kidnappings, illegal mining and other terrorist activities.
At the previous hearing on July 9, Abba indicated his intention to reconsider his plea, prompting the court to adjourn the matter until Monday.
With both defendants now admitting all 32 counts, the case moves into the sentencing phase.
National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu announced the suspects’ arrest in August 2025, describing it as a major breakthrough against Ansaru following a high-risk intelligence-led operation conducted between May and July 2025.
He said the group is affiliated with Al-Qaeda and has been linked to several terrorist attacks and kidnappings across Nigeria.
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