Court orders 4 suspects returned to DSS custody, arraignment date fixed

The High Court in Jos has ordered the detention of four suspects linked to the Angwa Rukuba massacre in March 2026, stating that they remain in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) pending their formal arraignment on April 30, 2026.

Thursday’s trial could not proceed as scheduled due to the absence of a defense attorney, forcing a delay in the arraignment process.

The suspects are accused of involvement in the March 28 attack that killed at least 30 people, including children, after armed assailants stormed communities in the Bokkos and Bassa local government areas.

Following the violence, the Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, strongly condemned the killings, asserting that they were part of a broader effort to destabilize the country.

“But I said no! Life must go on. The Highlands must move forward by God’s grace. The genocide in the Highlands will end. What is happening is not a farmer-herder conflict. Let me be clear: this is genocide, and I urge the international community to take notice,” the governor said.

During his recent visit to the state, President Bola Tinubu met with victims and assured residents of the Federal Government’s commitment to justice and peace.

“We are optimistic that the interventions carried out will help restore lasting peace,” said the President while urging residents to remain vigilant.

Those listed for trial include Isa Umar Ibrahim, Auwalu Abubakar (also known as Auwalu Dogo), and Musa Abubakar Ibrahim (also known as Yaroro), all accused of conspiring to carry out the deadly attack.

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According to the Plateau State Government, the suspects were arrested by the DSS between April 3 and April 10, 2026, and face charges ranging from criminal conspiracy to terrorism-related offences.

The charge filed by the State Attorney General, Philemon Daffi, states that the accused acted “contrary to Article 269 and is punishable under Article 270 of the Plateau State Criminal Code Law, 2017.”

It further reads, “That you… indeed conspired among yourselves to commit terrorism-related offenses when you planned, organized, facilitated, assisted and contributed money to carry out the attack in Angwan Rukuba… which caused the death of more than thirty (30) people.”

When the matter was raised in Court 12, the defendants, speaking through an interpreter, requested additional time to obtain legal representation of their choice.

The Plateau State Attorney General and prosecutor, Joel Tagven, did not oppose the request but urged the court to detain the suspects at the DSS to ensure smooth investigation and access.

“Normally, this matter should have been resolved today, but considering the defendants’ request for a lawyer, we can postpone the case so that they can get a lawyer of their choice. I also appealed for the suspects to be returned to DSS custody for ease of access and continuation of the investigation,” said the prosecutor.

Presiding over the case, Judge Gidelia FomYom granted the request and postponed the trial until April 30, 2026, for arraignment.

After the session, the suspects were bussed from the courtroom back to the DSS facility.

Speaking with journalists afterwards, the Attorney General commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as his unequivocal support in allowing the prosecution to proceed in the state.

“We appreciate the President who gave the marching order, in fact we appreciate him for four reasons, firstly because he gave the marching order, so that the DSS made efforts which resulted in the arrest of the suspects.

“Secondly, in the past, prosecutions were not carried out in this state; suspects were usually taken to Abuja. But now, we are allowed to try them here,” he said.

He added, “Third, you remember that when Mr President came, he promised that security equipment such as CCTV cameras would be provided to the country for security purposes. This will really help secure the country. Fourth is the issue of prosecuting those here. This is not what it used to be.

“This is happening here, and it is an appreciation to Mr. President, the governor, and DSS for their collaboration and support to make this prosecution possible in the state,” added the Attorney General.