DSS files charges against 67‑year‑old farmer for unlawful firearm possession, trial date set.

The Department of State Services (DSS) has charged 67‑year‑old Plateau farmer Danjuma Antu with unlawful possession of firearms. The case is being heard at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Justice Ekerete Udofot Akpan arraigned the accused for allegedly owning two locally manufactured pistols capable of firing 9mm ammunition on 27 June 2025, near Kabong Primary School in Jos North Local Government Area, Plateau State. The court has jurisdiction over the matter.

Antu is accused of holding the firearms without a licence, a violation of Section 3 of the Firearms Act 2004, punishable under Section 27(1) of the same Act. He is also alleged to have possessed three live 9mm rounds, contravening Section 8(1) of the Firearms Act 2004 and punishable under Section 27(1).

Additionally, the defendant is charged with providing material support for terrorism in Plateau State by transporting the two pistols, the three 9mm rounds, and one 8mm round to the state. This offence falls under Section 13(1) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022.

After pleading not guilty and successfully obtaining bail, Justice Akpan released Antu on bail of N200 million, secured by two sureties of the same amount. The sureties must reside in Abuja, submit an affidavit of means, own fully developed property, and deposit the original title documents of that property with the Deputy Chief Registrar. Both the accused and the sureties are required to provide bank statements and international passports to the court. They must also submit two recent passport photographs and may not leave the country without court permission.

Justice Akpan ordered that Antu be remanded in DSS custody pending the fulfilment of these bail conditions. A full trial has been scheduled for 25 June.

The indictment contains five counts:

COUNT ONE – Antu, a male adult from Jos North, Plateau State, allegedly possessed two locally fabricated pistols capable of discharging 9mm ammunition on 27 June 2025, without a licence, violating Section 3 of the Firearms Act 2004 and punishable under Section 27(1).

COUNT TWO – Antu allegedly possessed three live 9mm rounds on 27 June 2025, without a licence, violating Section 8(1) of the Firearms Act 2004 and punishable under Section 27(1).

COUNT THREE – Antu allegedly possessed one live 8mm round, without a licence, violating Section 8(1) of the Firearms Act 2004 and punishable under Section 27(1).

COUNT FOUR – Antu allegedly possessed two locally fabricated pistols capable of discharging 9mm ammunition for sale and transfer on 27 June 2025, without a licence, violating Section 9 of the Firearms Act 2004 and punishable under Section 27(1).

COUNT FIVE – Antu allegedly provided material support for acts of terrorism in Plateau State by transporting the two pistols, the three 9mm rounds, and one 8mm round on 27 June 2025, violating Section 13(1) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022.