Benue court delays Yelwata trial as pathology report is awaited
The trial of nine suspects linked to the June 13, 2025 Yelwata attack in Benue State was stalled at the Federal High Court, Abuja, due to legal representation issues for two defendants. Justice Joyce Abdulmalik directed that Ibrahim Angulu, SAN continue representing the 7th and 8th defendants after confusion over their legal counsel. The court also ordered the Nigerian Correctional Service to allow Angulu access to the defendants for proper consultation. Meanwhile, the Benue State Government is still waiting for the pathology report from a federal team that conducted forensic examinations on the massacre victims.
What happened
- Proceedings were delayed because the 7th and 8th defendants lacked legal representation at the hearing before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik.
- Ibrahim Angulu, SAN was directed by the court to continue representing the two defendants, despite his application to withdraw.
- The trial concerns a deadly attack on June 13, 2025, in Yelwata, allegedly carried out by over 200 armed men and funded by disgruntled Fulani chiefs.
- A federal team of pathologists visited Yelwata for forensic investigation, arriving in the community on February 23 with security operatives, but their report has not yet been released.
- The matter was adjourned till March 4 for continuation of the trial and hearing of other pending applications.
