Court remands nine over Yelwata, Benue killing pending trial

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday ordered that nine individuals accused of carrying out the June 13, 2025, attack on Yelwata Community in Benue. an incident that left about 150 people dead be remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik ordered that the suspects remain in custody while their bail applications are considered, and adjourned the trial to February 26 and 27.

The order followed the defendants’ arraignment on an amended 57-count charge of alleged terrorism offenses, to which all nine pleaded not guilty.

Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, who leads the prosecution, requested that the court schedule a trial date to allow evidence against the suspects to be presented.

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“In line with Section 273 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, the defendants’ not guilty plea invokes the court’s jurisdiction for trial,” Fagbemi told the court.

“Given the seriousness of this case, I respectfully request an accelerated hearing and that the defendants remain in a correctional facility pending trial.”

When asked how many witnesses the prosecution intends to call, Fagbemi said eight had been identified so far.

Ibrahim Angulu, SAN, representing the 1st, 8th, and 9th defendants, noted that a bail application had been filed earlier but sought permission to make an oral request in court.

Justice Abdulmalik denied the request, instructing him to file a formal application instead, saying: “The practice of this court requires a formal bail filing.”

The nine suspects are accused of carrying out the attack in Yelwata Community, which involved the burning of homes, the killing of around 150 people, and injuries to many others.

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They were arrested through a coordinated operation involving security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS).

The accused include Ardo Lawal Mohammed Dono, Ardo Muhammadu Saidu, Alhaji Haruna Abdullahi, Yakubu Adamu, Alhaji Musa Mohammed, Abubakar Adamu, Shaibu Ibrahim, Sale Mohammed, and Bako Jibrin.

During proceedings, the AGF informed the court that an amended charge had been filed. While ten defendants were initially listed, the AGF requested that the 6th defendant, Yakubu Mamah, be removed.

The defense did not oppose, and Mamah’s name was struck from the charge.

Fagbemi also requested that the original charge, dated September 9, 2025, listing eight defendants, be replaced with the amended charge filed on January 20, which the court approved without objection.

The 57-count charge was then read to the defendants. Count one (FHC/ABJ/CR/471/2025) alleges that the accused, along with others still at large, held meetings in Nasarawa State between May and June 2025 to plan acts of terrorism.

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They are charged with organizing and executing the Yelwata attack in Guma Local Government Area, Benue, causing property destruction, grievous injuries, and approximately 150 deaths, in violation of Section 12(a) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

In count 25, the first defendant, Ardo Lawal Mohammed Dono, is accused of instigating and directing other Ardos and Fulani youths across Nasarawa, Kwara, Taraba, Giza, and surrounding areas to carry out the attack, resulting in mass casualties.

The offense is punishable under Section 26(2)(b) of the same Act.

Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the trial to February 26 and 27.

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