After four years of detention without trial, Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS) has officially filed terrorism-related charges against Ntari Hassan Danladi, a former youth leader from Taraba State.
Danladi, who once served as National President of the Mumuye Youths, was arrested in May 2021 at the Mumuye Cultural Development Association office in Jalingo. Since then, he had been held without charges—until now.
DSS Alleges Ties to IPOB and Terrorism Training
A letter dated June 14, 2025, from the DSS accuses Danladi of travelling with an accomplice to an IPOB (Indigenous People of Biafra) camp in Abia State, where he allegedly received military training and handled weapons such as AK-47 rifles.
The DSS stated that IPOB was declared a terrorist organization by the Federal Government in 2017, and claimed that Danladi’s alleged actions violated the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022.
Three formal terrorism-related charges have now been filed by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, with proceedings assigned to a Special Terrorism Court sitting at the Wawa Military Detention Facility in Niger State, where Danladi remains in custody.
Danladi’s Lawyer Reacts: “Baseless and Politically Motivated”
Danladi’s legal representative, Barr. Pius Danba Pius, condemned the charges as baseless, politically driven, and a violation of his client’s human rights.
“My client has continuously denied any affiliation with IPOB. The DSS claims to have evidence, yet all they have is a statement where Danladi clearly says he is not involved,” Pius said.
He also decried the conditions of Danladi’s detention, revealing that his family has been denied regular access, and his prolonged incarceration without trial violated constitutional protections.
DSS Defends Its Actions, Warns Against Leaks
Despite mounting criticism, the DSS insists it has operated within the bounds of the law, claiming that it obtained court orders at every stage of the detention.
The security agency also warned the public and media against leaking documents or internal correspondences, stating that such actions could attract prosecution under national security laws.
