Nine Yelwata terror suspects plead not guilty to 57-count charge in Abuja, awaiting trial while remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre

Nine suspects accused of involvement in the deadly Yelwata attack in Benue State pleaded not guilty on Monday to a 57-count amended charge of terrorism before the Federal High Court in Abuja. Justice Joyce Abdul-Malik presided over the proceedings.

Also read: Troops repel deadly terrorist attacks in Adamawa, Borno

The Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), filed the amended charge on 20 January 2026 and withdrew charges against the sixth defendant, Yakubu Mamman.

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

The charges allege that the defendants, between May and June 2025 in Nasarawa State, knowingly participated in meetings to plan the attack on Yelwata community in Guma Local Government Area, which occurred on 13 June 2025.

The assault reportedly resulted in the burning of homes, grievous bodily harm, and approximately 150 deaths.

The defendants entered not guilty pleas to all counts. Fagbemi requested that the court schedule an accelerated hearing, remand the accused at the Kuje Correctional Centre, and fix trial dates.

The prosecution plans to call eight witnesses.

An oral application for bail was made by the defence, led by Ibrahim Angulu (SAN) and other counsel, but the judge instructed them to file a formal application for consideration.

The trial was adjourned to 26 and 27 February 2026.

Also read: Tinubu vows tough defeat of banditry and terrorism

The case highlights the ongoing effort by Nigerian authorities to prosecute suspects involved in large-scale communal violence while ensuring due legal process.