The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned nine suspects before a Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged involvement in recent killings in Benue and Plateau states.
The defendants — Terkende Ashuwa (46), Amos Alede (44), Haruna Adamu (26), Muhammed Abdullahi (48), Halima Haliru Usman (32), Timna Manjo (46), Nanbol Tali (75), Danjuma Antu (62) and Silas Iduh Oloche — faced six separate charges bordering on terrorism, unlawful possession of firearms and aiding terrorist activities.
Of the nine, only Manjo pleaded guilty to two counts, admitting to illegally buying and reselling locally fabricated AK-47 rifles and revolvers.
He faces sentencing under the Firearms Act 2004.
Others were accused of attending meetings to plan terrorist attacks, receiving weapons to aid violence, and concealing information on killings in Abinsi and Yelwata villages of Benue State.
Justice Emeka Nwite ordered their remand in DSS custody with access to their lawyers.
He fixed October 2, 9 and 17 for commencement of trials depending on the charges.
Meanwhile, the DSS also filed a fresh five-count charge against alleged gunrunner Huzaifa Ahamad Haruna (alias Huzaifa Dogo), said to have been arrested with seven M16 assault rifles.