Niger State Man Faces Terrorism Charges Over WhatsApp Preaching Group.

A local man has been arraigned before a Federal High Court on serious charges including providing terrorist training through a WhatsApp group and illegal gold mining operations.

Abdulrazak Umar, also known as Abu Khalifa or Abu Khalid, a resident of Sandako in Suleja Local Government Area, is facing a 10-count charge filed by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation.

The Allegations:

According to court documents, Mr. Umar stands accused of using a WhatsApp group titled "The Oneness of Allah is the Foundation of Peace" to provide training and instructions to terrorists - an offense that violates Section 2(2)(g) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

In a separate count, prosecutors allege that between 2024 and 2026, the suspect engaged in illegal gold mining operations in the Chaza area of Suleja LGA without proper authorization, contravening Section 8(b) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act.

The charges also include claims that Mr. Umar used his religious teachings within the WhatsApp group to encourage members toward terrorist activities, which falls under Section 18 of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention etc) Act, 2015.

What's Next:

Security sources confirm that the suspect is expected to appear in court next week, with investigators still pursuing the case diligently. Authorities have indicated that investigations are ongoing and may involve other individuals connected to the case.