The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed six separate charges against nine suspected linked to attacks in Yelwata village, Guma Local Government Area of Benue state.
The DSS filed the charges before a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja.
However, only two suspects, Haruna Adamu and Muhammad Abdullahi, both from Awe Local Government Area in Nasarawa State, are facing a four count charge relating to the killings in Yelwata.
In a charge marked FHA/ABJ/CR/449/2025 and filed by Muhammad Abubakar, Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, the DSS alleged that the duo concealed information about planned attacks in Abinsi and Yelwata between June 13 and 14.
They were also accused of conspiring with other individuals still at large — including Musa Beniyon, Bako Malowa, Ibrahim Tunga, Asara Ahnadu, Legu Musa, Adamu Yale, Boddi Ayuba, and Pyeure Damina — to commit acts of terrorism.
The DSS said the offences contravene section 12 of the Terrorism Prevention Act, 2022.
Two other suspects — Terkende Ashuwa and Amos Alede — both from Guma local government in Benue, were charged on three counts over alleged reprisal attacks against the initial terror suspects.
In a separate charge, Halima Haliru Umar, a 32-year-old woman from Faskari local government in Katsina, was charged with four counts for allegedly concealing information about Alhaji Sani, a suspected gun runner, bandit and kidnapper.
The DSS also filed a six-count charge against Silas Iduh Oloche of Agatu local government 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.
The federal government said more suspects caught with firearms have also been charged in connection with the violence.
No date has yet been fixed for the trial.
