Nine men accused of orchestrating the deadly June 2025 attack on Yelwata community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State have pleaded not guilty to multiple terrorism-related charges filed by the Federal Government.
The suspects — Ado Lawal Mohammed Dunu, Alhaji Haruna Abdullahi, Yakubu Adamu, Mohammed Musa, Abubakar Adamu, Shuaibu Adamu, Isa Yusuf Nagogo, Ado Mohammed Saidu, and Jibril Bako — entered their pleas on Monday before the court following their arraignment by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation.
They denied any involvement in the June 13, 2025 attack, which devastated the agrarian community.
Another suspect, Yakubu Mamman, was declared at large and subsequently struck out of the charge.
According to the prosecution, the defendants allegedly conspired between May and June 2025 to carry out the attack, which reportedly led to widespread destruction of homes and property, grievous injuries to residents, and the deaths of about 150 people, including internally displaced persons.
The Federal Government further alleged that the suspects solicited funds from traditional rulers in Nasarawa State and recruited attackers from Kwara, Taraba, and Nasarawa states to execute the operation.
The alleged offences are said to contravene Sections 20, 26, and 28 of the Terrorism (Prevention) Act, 2022.
The June 2025 Yelwata attack drew nationwide condemnation following reports of mass casualties and extensive damage to property.
The court has adjourned the case to a later date for further hearing.
The 2026 Grammy Awards have concluded with African music once again taking centre stage, although Nigerian artistes left the ceremony without a win. Burna Boy, Davido and Ayra Starr were among the nominees in the Best African Music Performance category. However, South African singer Tyla won the award with her song “Push 2 Start”, edging out Burna Boy’s “Love”, Davido’s “With You” featuring Omah Lay, and Ayra Starr’s “Gimme Dat” […]
Post comments (0)