- The trial of nine men accused of the 2025 Yelwata massacre was adjourned in Abuja after new defence counsel took over two defendants
- Justice Abdulmalik warned that unnecessary delays would not be tolerated, stressing the case’s public significance
- The defendants face 57-count terrorism charges and remain remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre, having all pleaded not guilty
The trial of nine men accused of masterminding the 2025 Yelwata massacre was once again stalled on Wednesday at the Federal High Court in Abuja following a request for adjournment by counsel for two of the defendants.
The trial judge, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, adjourned proceedings after Y.A. Hassan, who appeared for the eighth and ninth defendants, Sale Mohammed and Bako Jibrin, informed the court that it was his first appearance in the case and that he had not yet familiarised himself with the charges.
The nine suspects were arraigned by the Federal Government on 2 February 2026 over the 13 June 2025 attack on Yelwata village in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, in which approximately 150 persons were reportedly killed. They face a 57-count amended terrorism charge under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, with the prosecution led by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi.
The accused persons are Ardo Lawal Mohammed Dono, Ardo Muhammadu Saidu, Alhaji Haruna Abdullahi, Yakubu Adamu, Musa Mohammed, Abubakar Adamu, Shaibu Ibrahim, Sale Mohammed and Bako Jibrin.
When proceedings resumed on Wednesday, other defence counsel announced appearances for their clients, while Hassan informed the court that he had just taken over representation for the eighth and ninth defendants. He requested a short adjournment, stating he had not been furnished with the charges and could not proceed with the trial under such circumstances. “I have not even seen the charges,” he told the court.
The Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), who appeared for the prosecution, did not oppose the application but suggested that the court could take evidence-in-chief from the prosecution witness, while cross-examination could be deferred until the next adjourned date. Hassan, however, insisted he was not ready to proceed in any form.
Justice Abdulmalik cautioned the defence counsel, emphasising that it is not the prosecution’s responsibility to continually provide the charges once representation changes. “You are supposed to take the charge from the previous lawyer. It is not the duty of the prosecution to keep furnishing the charges to the defence,” she said, warning that necessary enquiries should be made before accepting a brief to avoid wasting court time.
The judge stressed that the case is of significant public interest and would not tolerate unnecessary delays. She subsequently adjourned the matter to 9 and 10 March for the continuation of the trial.
The nine defendants are accused of planning the assault, recruiting fighters, providing financial and logistical support, and coordinating the armed attack that left scores dead and properties destroyed. All defendants had pleaded not guilty during their arraignment and are remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre. Previous proceedings were also stalled after the withdrawal of the former counsel for the eighth and ninth defendants, leading to multiple adjournments since February.