May 9, 2026 | News
The Plateau State High Court in Jos on Friday resumed proceedings in the trial of suspects linked to the Angwan Rukuba attacks, which reportedly claimed the lives of more than 30 people in Jos North Local Government Area.
The court continued with the case management process ahead of the commencement of full hearing in the matter involving allegations of terrorism and related offences.
The defendants are facing charges including criminal conspiracy, terrorism, culpable homicide, illegal possession of firearms, and illegal dealing in arms and ammunition filed against them by the Plateau State Government.
The accused persons had earlier pleaded not guilty to all charges brought before the court.
At the previous sitting, the court ordered that the suspects remain in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) pending the completion of investigations and further proceedings.
The prosecution team, led by the Plateau State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Philemon Audu Daffi, argued for the continued detention of the suspects, insisting that investigations were still ongoing and that some persons linked to the attacks remained at large.
Defence lawyers opposed the request and raised concerns over access to their clients, but the court directed the DSS to grant counsel access to the accused persons.
Friday’s proceedings focused mainly on the Case Management Conference, regarded as a major stage before the commencement of the substantive trial.
The Plateau State Government had earlier filed charges against Isa Umar Ibrahim, Auwalu Abubakar, also known as Auwalu Dogo, and Musa Abubakar Ibrahim, also known as Yaroro, over alleged terrorism-related offences.
Another defendant, Adamu Isa Alhassan, was separately charged with criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide, illegal possession of firearms, and illegal dealing in arms and ammunition.
The suspects were reportedly arrested between April 3 and April 10, 2026.
According to court documents filed by the Attorney General, the suspects allegedly planned, organised, facilitated, and funded attacks carried out in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area.
The prosecution further alleged that the attacks resulted in the deaths of more than 30 people.
Another charge accused Adamu Isa Alhassan and several other suspects currently at large of participating in deadly attacks on communities in Riyom and Jos South Local Government Areas between 2025 and January 2026.
The case continues amid heightened public interest and ongoing security concerns in Plateau State.
