By Bose
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Nine individuals accused of orchestrating the Yelwata massacre in Benue State, which left around 150 people dead on June 13, 2025, were arraigned on Monday and remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the remand, pending the hearing of the suspects’ bail applications. The trial was adjourned to February 26 and 27.
The suspects faced a 57-count amended charge, including terrorism-related offenses, but pleaded not guilty to all allegations. Following the plea, the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, requested a trial date to allow the Federal Government to present its evidence.
“In line with Section 273 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, the defendants’ not-guilty plea invokes this court’s jurisdiction for trial,” Fagbemi told the court. “Given the gravity of the case, I am requesting accelerated hearing, and that the defendants be remanded in a correctional facility pending trial.”
When asked about the number of prosecution witnesses, Fagbemi said eight had been lined up to testify.
Ibrahim Angulu, SAN, representing the 1st, 8th, and 9th defendants, requested an oral bail application despite having filed a prior bail motion. Justice Abdulmalik denied the request, instructing the defence to submit a formal application in accordance with court practice.
The alleged attack involved the burning of homes, killing of approximately 150 people, and injuries to many others. The suspects were apprehended following a coordinated operation by Nigeria’s security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS).
The nine suspects arraigned are: 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 although 10 individuals were initially listed in the amended charge, the court struck out the name of the 6th defendant, Yakubu Mamah, upon request. The earlier charge, dated September 9, 2025, was also formally replaced with the amended charge filed in January 2026.
The charges allege that between May and June 2025, the defendants, along with others at large, met in Nasarawa State to plan and execute the attack on Yelwata Community in Guma Local Government Area, Benue. Count one cites their involvement in terrorism, including arson, grievous bodily harm, and mass killing, contrary to Section 12(a) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Specifically, in count 25, Ardo Lawal Mohammed Dono (1st defendant) is accused of directing other Fulani youths across Nasarawa, Kwara, Taraba, and neighboring villages to carry out the deadly attack. The offense is punishable under Section 26(2)(b) of the same Act.
The case continues to highlight ongoing efforts by Nigerian authorities to bring perpetrators of mass violence to justice.
