Nine suspects accused of orchestrating the deadly Yelwata in Benue State pleaded not guilty to a 57-count amended terrorism charge before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday.
The defendants appeared before Justice Joyce Abdul-Malik following the withdrawal of charges against the sixth suspect, Yakubu Mamman, by the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef bemi (SAN). The AGF, alongside the Director of Public Prosecution, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), represented the prosecution in court.
According to a statement from the Office of the AGF, the suspects are “strongly linked to the ings in Yelwata” and were arraigned after extensive investigations and collaboration among government agencies.
Legal representatives for the defendants included Ibrahim Angulu (SAN), Christiana Sylvester, Aminu Abubakar Bagudu, A.I. Kaura, and Adamu Abdullahi, covering various defendants.
The court read the 57-count amended charge, dated January 19, 2026, to the defendants with the aid of an interpreter. Count one alleges that between May and June 2025, the suspects knowingly participated in meetings in Nasarawa State to plan the on Yelwata community, which occurred on June 13, 2025, resulting in the deaths of approximately 150 people and destruction of property.
The defendants pleaded not guilty to all counts. bemi requested an accelerated hearing under Section 273 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act and urged that the suspects be remanded pending trial. An oral bail application was made but deferred for proper filing. The prosecution plans to call eight witnesses during the trial.
The case was adjourned to February 26 and 27, 2026, for trial commencement, with the defendants remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre.
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I cant believe they pleaded not guilty! How can they deny their involvement in such a tragic ? Justice must prevail.
Do you think the suspects pleading not guilty is a strategy or a sign of innocence? Lets discuss!
I cant believe they all pleaded not guilty! Do they really think they can get away with it? Justice must prevail.
I cant believe theyre pleading not guilty after all the evidence against them. Justice better be served!
I dont understand how 9 people can all plead not guilty in the same case. Seems fishy to me!
I find it hard to believe all nine suspects are pleading not guilty. Soing fishy going on? Who else is involved?
I cant believe they all pled not guilty! Do you think theyre innocent or just playing games? Lets discuss!
I cant believe they all plead not guilty! This case is getting more twisted by the minute. What do you all think?
Do you think the suspects pleading not guilty is a strategy or a sign of innocence? Curious to hear your thoughts!
I cant believe they all pleaded not guilty! Do they think they can get away with it? Justice must prevail.
I cant believe they all pleaded not guilty! Do you think theyre actually innocent or just trying to get away with it?
Do we really trust the justice system to deliver the right verdict in cases like this? Innocent until proven guilty, right?
I cant believe they all pleaded not guilty! Do you think theyre really innocent or just playing the system? 🤔
Do you think the suspects pleading not guilty is a strategic move or a sign of their innocence? Such a puzzling case!