Nine suspects remanded over Benue killings after court arraignment
A Federal High Court in Abuja has remanded nine individuals accused of involvement in the Yelwata attack in Benue State, which reportedly resulted in about 150 deaths. The suspects pleaded not guilty to a 57-count amended charge related to terrorism before Justice Joyce Abdul-Malik. The prosecution, led by Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), withdrew charges against one defendant and presented an amended charge. The court ordered the suspects to be held in a correctional facility while awaiting trial.
What we know
- Nine suspects were arraigned in connection with the Yelwata attack that left about 150 people dead.
- The amended 57-count charge was dated January 19, 2026, and filed on January 20, 2026.
- The alleged attack was planned during meetings in Nasarawa State between May and June 2025, and reportedly carried out on June 13, 2025.
- An earlier eight-count charge dated September 9, 2025, was withdrawn against the sixth defendant.
- Justice Abdul-Malik adjourned the trial to February 26 and 27, 2026, and ordered the defendants to be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre.
