Nigerian Court Trial Stalls as DSS Denies Lawyer Access to Ansaru Terror Suspects

The trial of two alleged senior members of the Ansaru terrorist group in Nigeria has stalled at the Federal High Court in Abuja due to the Department of State Services (DSS) denying access to the defense counsel. The accused, Mahmud Usman and Abubakar Abba Dakum, have been detained since October 2025, with their lawyers being restricted from meeting them.

The defense counsel has requested a transfer of the suspects to a correct facility to enable adequate consultation. The trial has been adjourned until March 16, raising concerns over delays and access to justice.