The Department of State Services (DSS) has accused Ntari Hassan Danladi, a former National President of the Mumuye Youths, of links with the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), after keeping him in detention without trial for four years.
Danladi, who was arrested on May 6, 2021, at the youth wing office of the Mumuye Cultural Development Association at Mile 6, Jalingo, Taraba State, is now facing a three-count charge under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
In a letter dated June 14, 2025, the DSS alleged that its investigation revealed that Danladi, alongside one Joshua Njiwa, travelled to an IPOB camp located in a forest at Ozu Abam community, Arochukwu Local Government Area of Abia State, where they allegedly underwent military training, including handling AK-47 rifles.
The DSS stated that its action was in line with the 2017 Federal Government order proscribing IPOB as a terrorist group and maintained that it secured valid court orders for Danladi’s detention during the investigation.
Danladi, who was initially accused of belonging to a Middle Belt ethnic militia, is currently being held at the Military Detention Facility in Wawa Cantonment, Niger State.
His legal counsel, Mr. Pius Danba Pius, described the allegations as baseless and politically motivated.
“Danladi has consistently denied any association with IPOB. The DSS has no credible evidence linking him to the group. His prolonged detention without trial is a gross violation of his fundamental rights,” Pius said.
He further alleged that Danladi’s family had been denied regular access to him since his transfer to the military facility, adding that the only statement extracted from Danladi showed that he denied knowing IPOB or any of its members.
Meanwhile, the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation has filed formal charges, marking the first official prosecution against Danladi since his arrest.
A Special Terrorism Court sitting at Wawa Cantonment has taken over the case, though Danladi’s legal team insists he has yet to be properly arraigned or granted a fair trial.
In a related development, the House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions has summoned the DSS, the Attorney General of the Federation, and the Nigerian Army to appear before it on July 16, 2025, over Danladi’s detention.
The Committee has demanded their appearance and written submissions, warning that failure to comply may result in the case proceeding in their absence.
Danladi’s prolonged detention has sparked growing public concern in Taraba and beyond, with several civil society groups calling for his immediate release or arraignment in court.
