The Department of State Services (DSS) has formally filed charges at the Federal High Court in Abuja against nine suspects allegedly connected to a series of deadly attacks in the Yelwata area of Benue State and parts of Plateau State.
These violent incidents resulted in the deaths of more than forty people, left numerous others injured, and displaced hundreds of residents across both states. The severity of the attacks prompted a personal visit from President Bola Tinubu, who called for peace and directed security agencies to apprehend those responsible.
According to the detailed charge sheets submitted to the court, the suspects represent a cross-section of ethnic and religious backgrounds. The primary case involves two individuals, Haruna Adamu and Muhammad Abdullahi from Nasarawa State, who are accused of leading attacks on Abinsi and Yelwata villages on June 13, 2025.
They allegedly conspired with several others, including Musa Beniyon, Bako Malowa, and Ibrahim Tunga, who remain at large. The charges against them include engaging in conduct preparatory to acts of terrorism, violating Section 29 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act of 2022.
In a related case, two suspects from Benue State, Terkende Ashuwa and Amos Alede, face three counts of organising and participating in reprisal attacks.
They are accused of attending meetings that led to terrorist acts, including the destruction of property and the loss of livestock. Separate charges were also filed against a 32-year-old woman from Katsina State, Halima Haliru Umar, for allegedly transporting over 300 rounds of AK-47 ammunition to bandits and concealing information about a known gunrunner.
Additional defendants include a 75-year-old man and others charged with the illegal manufacture, sale, and possession of firearms and grenades. While the charges have been formally filed, no trial date has yet been set by the court.
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cc: Daily Post NG
