From Victor Osula Abuja
Proceedings in the trial of suspects linked to the June 13, 2025, Yelwata massacre in Benue State were on Tuesday abruptly halted after one of the defendants slumped in court, prompting the Federal High Court, Abuja, to adjourn the matter on humanitarian grounds.
The defendant, Alhaji Haruna Abdullahi, who is the third accused person among the nine standing trial, reportedly developed serious health complications and collapsed during the hearing before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik.
Abdullahi is being prosecuted alongside eight others over their alleged involvement in the deadly attack on the Yelwata community in the Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, which claimed the lives of over 200 persons and destroyed property worth millions of naira.
At the resumed hearing, the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, informed the court that the defendant’s condition worsened shortly after he was brought into the courtroom by officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service.
Oyedepo emphasised that the Federal Government is not persecuting the defendants but is committed to prosecuting the case in line with the law, adding that it is in the interest of justice for all defendants to be alive and medically fit to stand trial.
Counsel to the third defendant, Ahmed Mohammed, confirmed the development, noting that his client’s health deteriorated upon arrival in court, leading to his collapse.
He urged the court to grant a short adjournment to enable Abdullahi to receive urgent medical attention at a hospital in Abuja.
The request for adjournment was not opposed by other parties. Counsel to the first defendant, Ibrahim Angulu, SAN, supported the application on humanitarian grounds, while the prosecution also did not object.
In her ruling, Justice Abdulmalik granted the application and adjourned the case to March 30 and 31, 2026, for continuation of the trial. She also ordered that hearing notices be served on all defendants.
The nine suspects standing trial include Ardo Lawal Mohammed Dono, Ardo Muhammadu Saidu, Alhaji Haruna Abdullahi, Yakubu Adamu, Alhaji Musa Mohammed, Abubakar Adamu, Shaibu Ibrahim, Sale Mohammed, and Bako Jibrin.
They are facing a 57-count amended charge bordering on terrorism offences filed by the Federal Government.
According to the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/471/2025, the defendants allegedly held meetings between May and June 2025 in Nasarawa State where plans were made for the attack on the Yelwata community.
The prosecution further alleged that the defendants attacked on June 13, 2025, resulting in widespread destruction, grievous bodily harm, and the death of approximately 150 persons.
The offences are said to be contrary to provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
In one of the counts, the first defendant, Ardo Lawal Mohammed Dono, was specifically accused of instigating the attack by mobilising individuals across several states, including Nasarawa, Kwara, and Taraba.
Despite the disruption caused by the medical emergency, proceedings reflected a shared commitment by the court and counsel to uphold due process, while ensuring that the health and rights of all parties are protected as the trial continues.
