Suspected Ansaru Commander Wants More Time to Decide on Plea in Terrorism Trial

One of the two suspected commanders of the Ansaru terrorist group captured by Nigerian security forces last year has asked for more time to think about changing his not-guilty plea in his ongoing terrorism trial.

The defendant, Abubakar Abba, requested the Federal High Court in Abuja to adjourn the proceedings until July 20. This will give him time to make a final decision on his plea.

Mr Abba, who is also called Abu Bara’a, is on trial with Mahmud Usman, who is known as Isah Adam. Both are facing serious charges.

They are wanted suspects linked to al-Qaeda and were captured by Nigerian security forces in August 2025. They face 32 terrorism-related charges involving illegal mining and attacks in Nigeria from 2013 to 2015.

Mr Usman has already pleaded guilty to one of the charges and received a 15-year prison sentence. Mr Abba has pleaded not guilty to all the charges against him.

The SSS revealed that they arrested the defendants during separate operations between May and July 2025.

At a hearing on Thursday, Mr Abba told the court he wanted to think about his not-guilty plea from his arraignment. Judge Emeka Nwite paused the proceedings for a while so he could talk to his lawyer, Husseina Tukur.

After their discussion, Mr Abba told the court he had not yet decided if he would change his plea or keep the not-guilty plea.

The prosecution lawyer, David Kaswe, did not agree with another adjournment. He pointed out that Mr Abba had made a similar request in the last session. He urged the court to continue with the trial if Mr Abba could not decide.

In his ruling, Judge Nwite said the request had not been officially made before.

"Since this is the first time the issue is being officially raised, the defendant should be allowed to make his decision," the judge said.

The judge then postponed the case until July 20 for Mr Abba to say if he would change his plea or if the trial would continue.