By James Otobrise
The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of nine suspected terrorists over the June 13, 2025 attack on Yelwata Community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, where about 150 persons were reportedly killed.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik gave the order after the suspects pleaded not guilty to a 57-count amended charge bordering on terrorism offences.
The defendants are to remain at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the hearing of their bail applications.
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, who led the prosecution, requested an accelerated hearing and informed the court that about eight witnesses would testify.
The court declined an oral bail application by defence counsel, directing that a formal application be filed instead.
The charges allege that the suspects held meetings in Nasarawa State between May and June 2025, where they planned and later carried out the attack, resulting in deaths, injuries and destruction of property.
The matter has been adjourned to February 26 and 27 for trial.
