The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday postponed the trial of an alleged Ansaru commander until July 20, allowing him time to decide whether to withdraw his not guilty plea to terrorism charges.
The defendant, Abubakar Abba, also known as Abu Bara, is facing trial alongside Mahmud Usman, also known as Isah Adam and Mahmud Al-Nigeri, before Justice Emeka Nwite on a 32-count charge involving terrorism and other related offences.
When the case resumed for hearing, proceedings shifted after Abba informed the court that he was considering changing the not guilty plea he entered during his arraignment.
However, following discussions with his lawyer, Husseina Tukur, he said he had not reached a final decision on whether to alter his plea or maintain his earlier position.
Prosecuting counsel, David Kaswe, opposed another adjournment, noting that the defendant had sought similar time at the previous hearing. He urged the court to continue with the trial if Abba remained undecided.
In a brief ruling, Justice Nwite observed that it was the first time the defendant had officially informed the court of his intention to reconsider his plea.
The judge held that since the issue was being officially raised on record for the first time, the defendant should be given an opportunity to make up his mind.
Justice Nwite then adjourned the case until July 20 for Abba to state whether he would change his plea or allow the trial to proceed.
The Department of State Services arrested the two defendants in separate operations carried out between May and July 2025.
They were later arraigned on a 32-count charge bordering on terrorism, terrorism financing, kidnapping for ransom, illegal mining, financing terrorism, fabrication of improvised explosive devices and other related offences.
The prosecution alleged that they coordinated sleeper cells, planned attacks and maintained links with terrorist organisations operating across the Sahel and Maghreb regions.
At their arraignment, Usman pleaded guilty to one count of illegal mining for the purpose of funding terrorism and procuring arms. He was convicted and sentenced to 15 years in prison on that count.
He, however, pleaded not guilty to the remaining 31 counts, while Abba pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
