The Federal Government on Monday arraigned nine suspects over the 13 June 2025 attack on Yelwata village in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, an assault that reportedly left about 150 people dead.
The defendants were brought before Justice Joyce Abdul-Malik of the Federal High Court in Abuja on a 57-count terrorism charge filed by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi.
Those arraigned are Ardo Lawal Mohammed Dono, Ardo Muhammadu Saidu, Alhaji Haruna Abdullahi, Yakubu Adamu, Musa Mohammed, Abubakar Adamu, Shaibu Ibrahim, Sale Mohammed and Bako Jibrin. All are male.
Prosecutors said several other suspects linked to the attack remain at large.
The defendants pleaded not guilty to all charges.
General allegations
Counts one and two allege that the defendants knowingly attended meetings in Nasarawa State between May and June 2025 where the attack on Yelwata community was planned.
According to the prosecution, the assault resulted in the burning of houses, grievous bodily harm and the deaths of about 150 persons.
Subsequent counts outline individual roles allegedly played by each defendant, including financing, recruitment, logistics coordination, possession of firearms and direct operational involvement.
Charges against Ardo Lawal Mohammed Dono
In counts three to 16 and 25, Dono, described as the prime suspect, is accused of directing and providing material and financial support for terrorism.
The prosecution alleged that he solicited and collected funds from other Ardos and kinsmen to finance the attack, mobilised fighters, instigated youths across several states, offered to supply weapons and recruited men for the operation.
He was also accused of allowing meetings at his palace to plan the assault, procuring armed men, coordinating logistics and intelligence, and conspiring to dispatch attackers to Yelwata.
His alleged actions are said to violate multiple provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Charges against Muhammadu Saidu Ardo
Counts 24 and 26 to 31 accuse Saidu of playing a central operational role.
Prosecutors said he collected financial contributions, organised and led armed men to Yelwata, supplied AK-47 rifles, recruited fighters and hosted planning meetings.
He is further accused of coordinating weapons and logistics, aiding and abetting the attack, and possessing prohibited firearms without a licence.
The offences are said to breach both the Terrorism Act and the Firearms Act.
Charges against Haruna Abdullahi
Counts 32 to 39 allege that Abdullahi provided financial and material support, including raising funds and making N300,000 available for the attack.
He is also accused of aiding and abetting, conspiring with other suspects, coordinating manpower and logistics, and unlawfully possessing an AK-47 rifle.
Charges against other defendants
Yakubu Adamu is accused of having information capable of preventing the attack but failing to act, while allegedly assisting in preparations.
Musa Mohammed allegedly provided N200,000 to facilitate the assault and participated in coordinating logistics and manpower.
Abubakar Adamu is accused of withholding intelligence that could have stopped the attack and taking part in preparatory meetings.
Shaibu Ibrahim allegedly provided funds and actively participated in planning and coordination.
Sale Mohammed is accused of offering financial support and helping dispatch armed men.
Bako Jibrin is charged with failing to disclose information that could have prevented the attack and participating in planning activities.
Arraignment proceedings
At Monday’s proceedings, the Attorney-General informed the court that the earlier charges filed in September had been withdrawn and replaced with amended charges filed in January.
One defendant listed in the previous charge sheet was removed, reducing the number of accused persons to nine.
Defence lawyers did not object to the withdrawal of the earlier charges.
After the amended counts were read and interpreted in Hausa, each defendant pleaded not guilty.
The prosecution said it has eight witnesses ready to testify and requested dates for trial.
Defence counsel indicated plans to apply for bail, but the court directed them to file formal applications.
Justice Abdul-Malik adjourned the case to later dates for trial and ordered that the defendants be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending further proceedings.
