Court Jails Ansaru Commander Mahmud Usman 15 Years for Terrorism Financing

A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced Mahmud Usman, a top commander of the proscribed Ansaru sect, to 15 years imprisonment. Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a, Abbas, or Mukhtar, admitted guilt to charges of engaging in illegal mining and channeling the proceeds to acquire arms for terrorism and kidnapping activities.

Justice Emeka Nwite ruled that Usman would remain in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) while facing trial on 31 additional terrorism-related charges. During the proceedings, Usman described himself as the “Emir of Ansaru” and was arraigned alongside his deputy and chief of staff, Mahmud al-Nigeri, also called Malam Mamuda.

The duo is facing a 32-count charge, which includes leading a terrorist group, financing terrorism, recruiting members, and coordinating violent attacks across Nigeria. The court highlighted the severity of their roles in sustaining Ansaru’s operations.

Ansaru militants have been linked to several high-profile attacks, including the July 2022 Kuje prison break in Abuja, where over 600 inmates—among them 64 Boko Haram suspects—escaped custody. The trial of the accused persons continues as the government intensifies its crackdown on terror networks.