The State Security Services on Wednesday arraigned nine suspects accused of complicity in the recent deadly attack in Yelwata, Guma Local Government Area of Benue and parts of Plateau states.
The nine persons, named as defendants in six separate charges, took turns to enter their pleas before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Other allegations raised against them included unlawful possession and dealing in firearms, assisting in terrorism activities, among others.
The SSS counsel, Calistus Eze, informed the court that the separate charges were dated and filed on August 28.
In the three-count charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/449/2025 and filed against Haruna Adamu and Muhammad Abdullahi of Awe LGA of Nasarawa State and others still at large, they were alleged to have on June 13 carried out attacks against the people of Abinsi and Yelwata villages.
The attacks left many persons dead, many others injured, and hundreds displaced in both states.
The SSS said that the offence was contrary to and punishable under Section 12 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022.
The two accused persons were said to have conspired with Musa Beniyon, Bako Malowa, Ibrahim Tunga, Asara Ahnadu, Legu Musa, Adamu Yale, Boddi Ayuba, Pyeure Damina and others still at large to carry out the attacks on Yelwata.
After the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges, Justice Nwite ordered that they should be remanded in SSS’ custody and be granted access to their lawyers.
On the charges involving Ashuwa, Alede and Halima Umar, Justice Nwite adjourned the matter until October 2 for trial.
The judge adjourned the charge involving Manjo and Tali until October 17 for review and trial.
He also fixed the trial of Antu and Oloche for October 17 for trial.
Meanwhile, the SSS on Wednesday filed a fresh five-count charge against suspected gunrunner, allegedly arrested with seven M16 assault rifles – Huzaifa Ahamad Haruna (aka Huzaifa Dogo).
(NAN)
