Suspects accused of participating in the deadly attack on Yelwata community in Benue State have been remanded in custody by a Federal High Court in Abuja, pending the start of their trial.
Justice Joyce Abdul-Malik made the order on Monday after the Federal Government, led by the Attorney-General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, presented a 57-count amended terrorism charge against the defendants.
The Attorney-General, who appeared with the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, told the court that the amended charge replaced an earlier one and applied for the name of one defendant, Yakubu Maman, to be removed from the case.
With no objection from defence counsel, the court struck out the original charge and ordered the deletion of the sixth defendant’s name. The remaining defendants were arraigned and pleaded not guilty to all counts.
Justice Abdul-Malik adjourned proceedings to 26 and 27 February 2026 for the commencement of trial and ordered the defendants’ continued detention at the Kuje Correctional Centre.
The prosecution alleged that the defendants conspired between May and June 2025 in Nasarawa State to plan and coordinate an attack on Yelwata community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State. The attack, carried out on 13 June 2025, reportedly led to widespread destruction of property and the killing of approximately 150 people.
The defendants are facing charges under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, including allegations of conspiracy and participation in acts of terrorism.
