The trial of Mahmud Usman, a prominent leader of the Ansaru terrorist group, has been postponed to November 19, 2025, following a request by his legal team.
Usman, who is facing multiple terrorism-related charges, was initially scheduled for trial in the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday. However, the court heard a letter from Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, counsel for the Department of State Services (DSS), explaining his unavailability for the scheduled proceedings. This led to the adjournment of the case to a later date, a request which was not contested by the defendants.
Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a, is accused of orchestrating numerous terrorist attacks, kidnappings, and armed robberies, alongside his alleged deputy, Abubakar Abba. The Federal Government has brought a 32-count charge against both men, accusing them of masterminding several high-profile terrorist activities, including receiving millions of naira in ransom payments from the families of victims.
According to the charges, Usman and Abba, both captured in intelligence-driven operations between May and July 2025, are alleged to have participated in acts of terror spanning from 2013 to 2015. Usman, originally from Okene in Kogi State, and Al-Nigeri, a key figure from Daura in Katsina State, are accused of collaborating with the Al-Qaeda-linked Ansaru faction, which broke away from Boko Haram.
The case also includes allegations of training in bomb-making and arms handling, alongside involvement in the 2022 attack on the Wawa Cantonment in Niger State, which resulted in significant casualties.
Described as a “coordinator of terrorist sleeper cells across Nigeria,” Usman’s role is reportedly pivotal in orchestrating violent crimes that fund terrorism. The charges assert that his actions have destabilized various parts of Nigeria through high-profile kidnappings and robberies.
In addition to the terrorism charges, Usman had previously pleaded guilty to a separate charge in September 2025. He admitted to engaging in illegal mining activities, which he used as a source of funding for terrorism and related activities. Usman was sentenced to 15 years in prison for this plea. Despite this, he denied other terrorism charges brought against him.
Meanwhile, his co-defendant, Abba, pleaded not guilty to all the charges brought before the court. The trial is expected to resume on the new date set for November 19, 2025.
