BREAKING: Nine suspects behind attack on Yelwata remanded in Kuje prison

The Federal Government on Monday arraigned nine suspects at the Federal High Court, Abuja, over the deadly June 13, 2025, attack on Yelwata Community in Benue State, which claimed the lives of about 150 people.

The suspects faced a 57-count amended charge of terrorism and related offences. The prosecution was led by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN.

Mr. Fagbemi informed the court that while 10 defendants were initially listed in the amended charge, the Federal Government had applied to strike out the name of the sixth defendant, Yakubu Mamman. Defence counsel, including Ibrahim Angulu, SAN, A.I. Kaura, and Adamu Abdullahi, did not oppose the application, leading Justice Joyce Abdul-Malik to remove Mamman from the charge.

The remaining defendants are Ardo Lawal Mohammed, Muhammadu Saidu, Alhaji Haruna Abdullahi, Yakubu Adamu, Muhammed Musa, Abubakar Adamu, Shaibu Ibrahim, Saleh Mohammed, and Bako Jibrin.

The court also approved the substitution of the initial charge, dated September 9, 2025, with the amended 57-count charge filed on January 20, 2026. The counts were read to the defendants through an interpreter, and all pleaded not guilty.

The prosecution alleged that between May and June 2025, the suspects conspired, planned, and executed the Yelwata attack, including holding meetings in Nasarawa State. According to the amended charge, they raised funds, recruited armed men across several states, procured weapons such as AK-47 rifles, provided logistics and manpower, and participated in the attack that resulted in mass casualties and destruction of property.

Additional charges include financing terrorism, supplying weapons, hosting terrorist meetings, withholding critical information, and illegal possession of firearms, contrary to the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Firearms Act.

Following the plea, Mr. Fagbemi requested a trial date. Defence counsel Angulu sought bail orally on behalf of the suspects, but the judge directed that a formal application be filed.

Consequently, the court remanded the nine defendants at Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja, and adjourned the matter to February 26 and 27, 2026, for trial.