The Federal High Court in Abuja has heard how a Benue youth leader, Silas Oloche, allegedly procured large quantities of ammunition for a planned retaliation against suspected Fulani herders following years of violent attacks in Agatu Local Government Area.
Oloche is facing a six-count charge bordering on unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.
At the hearing, a Department of State Services (DSS) operative, identified only as XX, told the court that the defendant was arrested on August 2, 2025, in Ogbasi community, Agatu LGA, with explosives and live ammunition allegedly recovered from him.
According to the witness, security operatives recovered 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 said Oloche was later transferred from the Benue State Command to the DSS National Headquarters in Abuja for further investigation.
The witness further stated that the defendant allegedly confessed during interrogation that he bought the ammunition from a man identified as “Chocho” for more than N2 million.
According to the DSS, the statement was obtained in the presence of a Legal Aid counsel, while investigators wrote on behalf of the defendant because he could not write.
Justice Joyce Abdumaliki admitted the investigation report, the defendant’s statement, recovered ammunition, grenades and a video recording of the interrogation into evidence.
During the playback of the video in court, Oloche narrated years of violent clashes between Agatu communities and suspected Fulani herders, which he claimed started around 2013 following repeated attacks on villages and destruction of farmlands.
In the video, he identified himself as a youth leader in Agatu and alleged that several peace meetings involving government officials, security agencies, traditional rulers and Fulani representatives failed to stop the violence.
He claimed frustration grew within the community due to repeated attacks and what he described as lack of government intervention.
According to the defendant, displaced residents and grieving families contributed money used to purchase ammunition after reports emerged that armed groups were preparing for confrontation.
Oloche admitted keeping the ammunition in his house but claimed they had not yet acquired guns before his arrest.
He also stated that the community intended to defend itself and retaliate against attacks but lacked sufficient weapons.
However, defence counsel Noah Imoni challenged the admissibility of the defendant’s extra-judicial statement, arguing that it was not voluntarily made.
The defence alleged that Oloche was tortured, beaten and traumatised during interrogation, while also questioning the conduct of the Legal Aid lawyer present during the process.
In response, the prosecution requested a trial-within-trial to determine whether the statement was voluntarily obtained.
Justice Abdumaliki subsequently ordered a trial-within-trial and adjourned the matter until July 8 for continuation of proceedings.
The court also reserved ruling on an application seeking a variation of the defendant’s bail conditions.
