Court Remands Four Over Plateau Killings, Next Hearing Set for April 30

Timescope News 

A Plateau State High Court has remanded four suspects in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) over the March 28, 2026, killings in the Angwan Rukuba community, Jos North Local Government Area.

The suspects  Isa Umar Ibrahim; Auwalu Abubakar, also known as Auwalu Dogo; Musa Abubakar Ibrahim, also known as Yaroro; and one other  were arrested by the DSS between April 3 and April 10, 2026. They are facing charges of criminal conspiracy to commit terrorism and other related offences filed by the Plateau State Government.

According to the charge sheet signed by the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Philemon Daffi, the suspects allegedly "conspired amongst themselves to commit offences relating to terrorism by planning, organising, facilitating, aiding, and contributing funds to carry out the attack in Angwan Rukuba, which led to the death of over 30 persons." The alleged offences contravene Section 269 and are punishable under Section 270 of the Plateau State Penal Code Law, 2017.

When the matter came up before Justice J. Damulak Fomyil on Thursday in Jos, the arraignment could not proceed due to the absence of defence counsel. The suspects, speaking through an interpreter, requested an adjournment to secure legal representation of their choice.

The prosecution's counsel and Solicitor-General of Plateau State, Joel Tagven, did not oppose the request but urged the court to remand the suspects in DSS custody to allow for continued investigation and ease of access. Justice Fomyil granted the application and adjourned the matter to April 30 for arraignment. The suspects were subsequently returned to DSS custody.

Speaking to journalists after the proceedings, the Solicitor-General commended President Bola Tinubu for his support in ensuring justice in the case. He cited the directive that led to the suspects' arrest, the decision to prosecute them within Plateau State rather than transferring them to Abuja, the approval of security infrastructure such as CCTV cameras, and the collaboration enabling local prosecution as key interventions.

The March 28 attack on communities in Bokkos and Bassa Local Government Areas, including Angwan Rukuba in Jos North, left no fewer than 30 people dead. Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang had earlier condemned the killings, describing them as genocide rather than a farmer-herder conflict, and pledged to end violence in the state. President Tinubu, during a visit to the state, assured affected communities that justice would be served and urged residents to remain vigilant.

The case has been adjourned to April 30, 2026, for arraignment.