Ansaru Leaders Face Trial in Abuja for Terrorism Acts

The Federal High Court in Abuja heard on Wednesday that Mahmud Muhammad, also known as Abu Bara’a, and Abubakar Abbas, also known as Isah Adam or Mallam Mahmuda Al-Nigeri, are leaders of the Ansaru terrorist organization and among the most wanted terrorists by the United States and the United Kingdom. The court admitted a video clip showing the beheading of a church deacon and a teacher in Oriire, Oyo State, as evidence, labeled as “Exhibit Oyo 1.” Additionally, a list of demands from the terrorist group to the federal government was admitted as “exhibit Oyo 2.” The video, which included threats against captives, was presented during the trial of five Ansaru members on terrorism charges.

The Department of State Services (DSS) lawyer, Oyedepo Rotimi, introduced the video through a witness who claimed to be involved in the investigation of the abduction. The witness stated that the terrorists dismembered the teacher's body to deter security forces.