DSS Alleges Terror Suspect’s Wife Supplied Ammunition to Husband

Author: Gist Correspondent

A Department of State Services (DSS) investigator on Monday told the Federal High Court in Ibadan that a woman standing trial for alleged illegal arms dealing was arrested while attempting to deliver ammunition to her husband, a suspected notorious terrorist.

The investigator, Mr. Babatunde Afolabi, made the disclosure while testifying before the court during the ongoing trial of Asmau Omar and three other defendants facing a 15-count charge bordering on conspiracy, unlawful dealing in ammunition, and aiding and abetting terrorism.

The other defendants—Olamide Okesola, Emmanuel Olatunji and Adeleke Adewale—are personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

All four defendants had pleaded not guilty to the charges. During earlier proceedings, they challenged the admissibility of their alleged extra-judicial statements, claiming the statements were obtained under duress.

However, the trial judge, Justice Nkeonye Maha, dismissed the objection on July 3, ruling that the statements were voluntarily made and were admissible as evidence.

While giving evidence-in-chief, Afolabi told the court that the DSS had been tracking a suspected terrorist identified as Dandake, whose alleged activities span Kwara, Kogi, Oyo and Ogun states.

According to the witness, intelligence reports had long identified Omar as an alleged courier of arms and ammunition for terrorist elements.

He testified that she was arrested alongside one Buhari Lawan while allegedly attempting to transport ammunition to her husband, who is said to be hiding from security operatives.

Afolabi further told the court that intelligence analysis enabled the DSS to trace the movement of the illegal arms and uncover their source as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle the alleged network.

The trial continues.