Court Admits DSS Report in Benue State Terrorism Trial
In a significant development, a Federal High Court in Abuja has accepted a report from the Department of State Services (DSS) that alleges certain Agatu leaders in Benue State are amassing grenades and ammunition for intended retaliatory strikes against Fulani herdsmen. This revelation comes just weeks after the trial concerning Fulani and Idoma paramilitary suspects linked to extensive violent incidents in Benue State commenced.
Charges Against Fulani Militia Members
On Tuesday, March 31, among nine individuals indicted for their involvement in the killings of over 100 people in Yerwata, Guma Local Government Area, were Aldo Lawal Mohammed Dono, Aldo Muhammadu Saidu, Alhaji Haruna Abdullahi, and Yakubu Adamu. They face a total of 57 charges related to terrorism.
Evidence Presented in Court
During the proceedings on Monday, the court not only accepted the DSS report but also introduced a grenade, a concealed bullet, and a video recording of the interrogation of one of the suspects as evidence.
Charges Against Agatu Youth Leader
One of the accused, Agatu youth leader Silas Oroche, faces six counts regarding the illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. Testimony from a DSS official, who served as the first prosecution witness, revealed that Oroche was apprehended on August 2, 2025, with a significant cache of weaponry, including 18 grenades and hundreds of rounds of ammunition.
Details from Witness Testimony
Witnesses from the DSS Security Investigation Department indicated that after his arrest, Oroche was transferred from the Benue State Command to the agency’s national headquarters in Abuja for further inquiry. One witness, identified only as XX, disclosed that during questioning, Oroche confessed to purchasing ammunition worth over N2 million from an individual called “Chocho.”
Extrajudicial Statements and Violence Context
During a court session that featured a playback of a video of Oroche’s extrajudicial statement, he depicted a long history of violent confrontations between the Agatu community and Fulani herdsmen. In the footage, Oroche asserted that these conflicts date back to 2013, fueled by Fulani herdsmen’s repeated assaults on farmland and communities.
Community Frustration and Planned Retaliation
In his recorded statement, Oroche described a series of meetings involving government officials, community leaders, and security agencies aimed at resolving the crisis. Despite various agreements for herders to vacate Agatu agricultural lands, he claimed these terms were consistently disregarded, leading to widespread discontent within the Agatu community. Furthermore, he disclosed plans within the community to raise funds for ammunition in anticipation of further assaults but admitted to constraints caused by the lack of firearms.
Legal Developments and Trial Adjournment
At the conclusion of the video playback, the prosecution submitted Oroche’s extrajudicial statement as part of their evidence. However, defense attorney Noah Imoni contested its admissibility, arguing it was not obtained voluntarily. In light of this challenge, the prosecution requested an internal hearing to ascertain the statement’s voluntariness, which the trial judge approved. Proceedings were then adjourned to July 8, when the intratrial actions and further hearings are set to continue.
