Nigeria: Federal Court Sets July 20 Deadline for Ansaru Commander to Change Plea

The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted suspected Ansaru commander Abubakar Abba, also known as Abu Bara’i, until 20 July to decide whether to alter his plea in a terrorism trial. Abba, who faces 32 terrorism‑related counts, is being tried alongside Mahmud Usman (Isah Adam/Mahmud Al‑Nigeri) before Justice Emeka Nwite.

Prosecuting counsel opposed any further adjournment, arguing the request mirrored a previous one. Justice Nwite noted this was the first formal request to change a plea and ordered the adjournment to allow Abba to make a decision. The defendants were arrested in separate DSS operations between May and July 2025 and are charged with terrorism financing, kidnapping for ransom, illegal mining, IED fabrication and other offences. Usman pleaded guilty to an illegal‑mining count and received a 15‑year sentence; he denied the remaining charges, while Abba has maintained not‑guilty pleas on all counts.