A Federal High Court in Abuja has heard testimony detailing how operatives of the Department of State Services allegedly recovered grenades and large quantities of ammunition from a Benue community youth leader, Silas Oloche.
Oloche is currently standing trial on a six-count charge related to the alleged illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.
During proceedings on Monday, a DSS operative identified only as XX testified as the prosecution’s first witness. The witness told the court that Oloche was arrested on August 2, 2025, in Ogbasi, located in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State.
According to the operative, security agents 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 from the suspect.
The witness further stated that Oloche was later transferred from the DSS command in Benue State to the agency’s headquarters in Abuja for further investigation.
The court heard that the defendant allegedly admitted purchasing the ammunition from a man identified as “Chocho” for more than N2 million. The operative said the statement was made in the presence of a Legal Aid counsel.
According to the DSS witness, Oloche requested assistance in writing his statement because he could not write by himself.
Justice Joyce Abdumaliki admitted several items into evidence, including the investigation report, the defendant’s statement, recovered explosives and ammunition, as well as a video recording of the interrogation session.
During the playback of the video in court, Oloche reportedly narrated the long-running crisis between Agatu communities and Fulani herders, claiming the violence had persisted since 2013.
He alleged that several peace meetings involving government officials, traditional rulers, security agencies, and representatives of herders had failed to resolve the conflict.
In the recorded statement, the defendant claimed frustration within the community increased following repeated attacks on farmlands and settlements. He also stated that residents contributed money to acquire ammunition after receiving reports of possible attacks.
Oloche admitted storing the ammunition in his house but claimed no firearms had been obtained before his arrest. He further stated that members of the community intended to defend themselves against future attacks.
However, defence counsel Noah Imoni opposed the admissibility of the extra-judicial statement, arguing that it was not obtained voluntarily. The defence alleged that the defendant was tortured and intimidated during interrogation.
Following the objection, the prosecution requested a trial-within-trial to determine whether the statement was voluntarily made, and the court granted the request.
The court also heard arguments regarding the defendant’s bail conditions. The defence described the requirement for two Abuja-based sureties with developed properties as excessive, while the prosecution insisted the conditions were justified considering the nature of the allegations.
Justice Abdumaliki adjourned the matter until July 8 for the commencement of the trial-within-trial and continuation of proceedings.
