Proceedings in the trial of nine suspected terrorists over the 2025 Yelwata massacre were halted on Tuesday after one of the accused fell ill in court.
Alhaji Haruna Abdullahi, listed as the third defendant, collapsed shortly before the hearing commenced at the Federal High Court in Abuja. Despite efforts by correctional officers to revive him, he remained unresponsive.
Prosecutor Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, told the court that the case had been fixed for a trial-within-trial but confirmed that Abdullahi’s health condition had worsened during proceedings.
He stressed that the prosecution was being conducted in line with the law, noting that the defendants must be medically fit to stand trial.
Counsel to Abdullahi, Ahmed Mohammad, said his client had arrived in court without assistance but later developed complications, prompting his collapse. He urged the court to grant an adjournment to enable urgent medical attention.
The request was supported by other counsel, including Ibrahim Angulu, SAN, who represents the first defendant, and was not opposed by the prosecution.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik adjourned the case until 30 and 31 March and directed that hearing notices be issued to all parties.
The defendants are standing trial on a 57-count amended charge under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022. They have denied all allegations.
According to the prosecution, the accused were involved in meetings held between May and June 2025 in Nasarawa State to plan an ആക്രമ on Yelwata community in Benue State.
The attack, carried out on 13 June 2025, allegedly led to the deaths of around 150 people, widespread destruction of property, and multiple injuries.
Among the charges, the first defendant, Lawal Dono, is accused of inciting and directing others across several states to carry out the нападение.
All nine defendants remain in custody as the trial continues.
