DSS recovered grenades, ammunition from Benue youth leader — Witness tells court

The Federal High Court in Abuja has been told how a Benue youth leader allegedly coordinated the acquisition of ammunition in preparation for a possible reprisal against suspected Fulani herders over repeated attacks in Agatu Local Government Area.

The allegations surfaced during the ongoing trial of Silas Oloche, who is facing a six-count charge related to the alleged illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.

A Department of State Services, DSS, operative identified only as XX appeared as the prosecution’s first witness and informed the court that Oloche was arrested on August 2, 2025, in Ogbasi community, Agatu LGA.

According to the witness, the defendant was allegedly found with 18 hand grenades, 683 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm ammunition, 62 rounds of 7.62 x 51mm ammunition, and 136 live shotgun cartridges.

The DSS operative, attached to the agency’s Security Investigation Department, stated that the suspect was later moved from the Benue command to the DSS headquarters in Abuja for further investigation.

He told the court that Oloche was interrogated in the presence of a Legal Aid lawyer and allegedly admitted purchasing the ammunition from a man identified as “Chocho” for more than N2 million.

The witness further claimed the defendant volunteered a written statement and requested that it be written on his behalf because he was unable to write.

Justice Joyce Abdumaliki admitted into evidence the investigation report, the alleged confessional statement, the recovered explosives and ammunition, as well as a video recording of the interrogation session.

During the playback of the video in court, Oloche narrated years of violent clashes between Agatu communities and suspected Fulani herders.

In the recording, he introduced himself as the youth leader of Agatu and explained that the crisis began around 2013 following repeated invasions of farmlands and communities.

He also recounted several meetings involving security agencies, traditional rulers, government officials and Fulani representatives from Benue, Kogi and Nasarawa states aimed at resolving the conflict.

According to him, agreements reached during the meetings were repeatedly violated as herders allegedly continued occupying farmlands and destroying crops.

Oloche stated in the video that frustration and anger grew among community members due to continued attacks and what he described as government inaction.

He further admitted mobilising funds within the community to purchase ammunition after receiving reports that Fulani groups were allegedly preparing for confrontation.

The defendant acknowledged storing the ammunition in his residence but claimed no firearms had been acquired before security operatives arrested him.

He also stated that the community intended to defend itself against attacks but lacked enough weapons and ammunition to carry out any retaliation.

According to him, contributions came from displaced residents and bereaved families after attacks on several communities.

He alleged that repeated complaints to authorities yielded no response, which increased tension and discussions about self-defence within the area.

Following the video presentation, the prosecution tendered the defendant’s extra-judicial statement as evidence.

However, defence counsel Noah Imoni opposed its admissibility, arguing that the statement was not voluntarily made.

The defence alleged that Oloche was assaulted, tortured and psychologically traumatised during interrogation, while also questioning the conduct of the Legal Aid lawyer who witnessed the session.

In response, the prosecution requested a trial-within-trial to determine whether the statement was obtained voluntarily.

Justice Abdumaliki subsequently ordered the trial-within-trial proceedings.

Earlier, the defence had asked the court to relax the defendant’s bail conditions, describing the requirement for two Abuja-based sureties with developed properties in the Federal Capital Territory as too harsh.

The prosecution opposed the request, insisting the gravity of the allegations justified the existing bail terms.

The court adjourned the matter until July 8 for the commencement of the trial-within-trial and continuation of hearing.