By TAIYE AGBAJE

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday gave a suspected commander of Ansaru terrorist group, Abubakar Abba, July 20 deadline to change his plea for terrorism-related charges against him.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Abba, a.k.a. Abu Bara’a, is charged alongside Mahmud Usman, a.k.a. Isah Adam/Mahmud Al-Nigeri with terrorism financing, kidnapping for ransom, illegal mining, funding terrorism, fabricating Improvised Explosive Devices (IED), among others.

The suspects are being prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS).

The matter, which was fixed for continuation of hearing on Thursday, took a dramatic turn when Abba informed the court of his intention to withdraw his earlier not guilty plea.

However, after the court gave him the permission to confer with Husseina Tukur, his lawyer, Abba told the court that he was still undecided on whether to change his plea or retain the earlier one.

The Prosecution Counsel, David Kaswe, however, opposed any further adjournment of the case.

He argued that the suspect had made a similar request at the last sitting.

He urged the court to proceed with the trial should the defendant fail to make up his mind.

In a ruling, Justice Emeka Nwite, said: “Because the issue is being officially raised on record for the first time, the defendant should be given the opportunity to make up his mind”.

Justice Nwite subsequently adjourned the matter until July 20 for the suspect to decide whether or not to change his plea or for continuation of hearing.

NAN reports that the suspects were arrested in separate operations between May and July 2025 by the DSS.

The DSS accused the suspects of coordinating sleeper cells, attacks and ties to Al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorist group, including groups in the Sahel/Maghreb.

On arraignment, Usman pleaded guilty to one-count of illegal mining for funding terrorism/arms and was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment.

He, however, pleaded not guilty to the remaining 31 counts while Abba pleaded not guilty to all charges. (NAN)

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