Yelwata massacre trial delayed as defence seeks more time
The trial of nine men accused of orchestrating the Yelwata massacre has been postponed again at the Federal High Court, Abuja. Defence counsel for two of the accused, Sale Mohammed and Bako Jibrin, requested more time to review the charges. The court, presided over by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, emphasized the importance of avoiding unnecessary delays in such a significant case. Proceedings will continue on the newly scheduled dates.
What happened
- The Federal Government arraigned nine suspects over the June 13, 2025, attack on Yelwata village, where about 150 people were reportedly killed.
- The accused, including Ardo Lawal Mohammed Dono, Ardo Muhammadu Saidu, Alhaji Haruna Abdullahi, Yakubu Adamu, Musa Mohammed, Abubakar Adamu, Shaibu Ibrahim, Sale Mohammed, and Bako Jibrin, face a 57-count amended terrorism charge.
- Justice Joyce Abdulmalik adjourned the trial till March 9 and 10 after defence counsel for the eighth and ninth defendants said he was not ready to proceed.
- The court previously fixed the commencement of trial for February 26 and 27, 2026, but proceedings on February 27 were also stalled due to lack of legal representation for two defendants.
- The prosecution is led by the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, and the Director of Public Prosecutions, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN).
