Yelwata massacre: Trial stalled as accused collapses in court

The trial of nine terrorist suspects linked to the June 2025 killings in Yelwata area of ​​Benue State has been stalled after one of the accused fainted at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday, March 24, 2026.

The third defendant, Haruna Abdullahi, collapsed from his seat and fell to the ground, before the case began before Judge Joyce Abdulmalik.

Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) officers who brought the defendants to court tried to resuscitate Abdullahi and later helped him back into the chair, but he remained unresponsive.

Oyedepo, however, said he was informed by NCoS officials that Abdullahi developed serious health problems while in court, adding that the accused must be well to face trial.

Ahmed Mohammad, appearing on behalf of Abdullahi, prayed to the court for an adjournment to enable the accused to receive medical treatment at any hospital in Abuja.

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The first defendant’s lawyer, Ibrahim Angulu (SAN), and Oyedepo did not oppose the application for postponement.

Justice Abdulmalik, thereafter, adjourned the matter to March 30 and 31, 2026, for continuation of the trial.

The judge also ordered that hearing notices be served on the defendants.

The defendants, who were arraigned on 57 counts bordering on alleged terrorism offences, have pleaded not guilty to all charges.

They are alleged to have carried out the terrorist attack in Yelwata where many houses were razed and around 150 people killed, while others sustained varying degrees of injuries on 13 June 2025.

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