A Plateau State High Court on Thursday remanded four suspects in the custody of the Department of State Services over their alleged involvement in the March 2026 killings in the Angwa Rukuba community of Jos North Local Government Area.
The suspects, identified as Isa Umar Ibrahim, Auwalu Abubakar, also known as Auwalu Dogo, Musa Abubakar Ibrahim, also known as Yaroro, and others, were brought before Justice Gidelia Fom-Yom.
They are facing charges of criminal conspiracy and terrorism.
The charges were filed by the State Attorney General, Philemon Daffi, under the Penal Code Law of Plateau State, 2017.
During proceedings at Court 9, the defendants pleaded not guilty to all the counts when they were read to them through an interpreter.
The prosecution, however, maintained that the group conspired to carry out the attacks that resulted in significant loss of life across several local government areas.
“The state maintained that the group conspired to carry out the attacks that resulted in significant loss of life across several local government areas,” the court heard.
The killings, which took place on March 28, resulted in the deaths of at least 30 individuals, including children, in the Angwa Rukuba community, Jos North LGA.
The court adjourned the matter until May 8, 2026.
The adjournment followed an application by defence counsel, who informed the court that they required additional time to consult with the defendants, as they were meeting them for the first time on the day of the scheduled arraignment.
A point of contention arose during the hearing regarding where the suspects should be held.
While defence counsel argued for the defendants to be moved to a correctional centre to facilitate better legal access, the Attorney General insisted on their return to DSS custody because investigations into the terrorism-related offences are still ongoing.
Presiding judge, Justice Gidelia Fom-Yom, ruled that the magnitude of the case necessitated the suspects’ return to DSS custody.
However, the judge directed the authorities to ensure the defence team is granted the necessary access to their clients.
Speaking with journalists, the Attorney General reiterated that the nature of the charges requires strict detention while the legal process continues.
Meanwhile, lead defence counsel, Mustapha Saliu, expressed satisfaction with the court’s directive, stating that the defence team remains committed to following the case to its conclusion.