Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of nine suspects arrested in connection with the Yelwata killings in Benue State at the Kuje Correctional Centre, pending the commencement of their trial.
The suspects were arraigned on Monday by the Federal Government, with the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), leading the prosecution. They are facing a 57-count charge bordering on terrorism and related offences.
All nine defendants pleaded not guilty after the charges were read to them through an interpreter. The prosecution requested an accelerated hearing, noting that eight witnesses were ready to testify.
Although counsel to the first, eighth and ninth defendants made an oral application for bail, Justice Abdulmalik declined the request and ordered that all the accused persons be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre. The case was adjourned to February 26 and 27, 2026, for trial.
Earlier, the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation assured Nigerians that justice would be served in the matter. In a statement issued by Kamarudeen Ogundele, Special Assistant to the AGF, the government said the prosecution followed a thorough investigation and inter-agency collaboration.
“The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to the protection of lives and property, as guaranteed by the Constitution,” the statement said, adding that the case sends a strong warning to individuals threatening national security under any guise.
The suspects were arrested following a deadly attack on Yelwata community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State in June 2025, during which gunmen killed scores of residents and displaced hundreds. The incident triggered nationwide outrage and protests, prompting intensified security operations in the state.
One of the survivors, Msurshima Apeh, later testified before the United States House Subcommittee on Africa, recounting how her five children were killed during the attack. Her testimony formed part of discussions surrounding Nigeria’s return to the Country of Particular Concern (CPC) list.
President Tinubu had earlier visited Benue State after the attack and directed security agencies to ensure the arrest and prosecution of those responsible, expressing concern over the delay in making arrests.
The Yelwata killings form part of a wider pattern of violent attacks recorded in the state, including an earlier incident in Otobi community, where four persons were killed, among them a former House of Assembly candidate during the 2019 general election.
