Yelwata Killings: Court Orders Remand Of 9 Suspects In Kuje Correctional Center

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, after the arraignment of nine suspects arrested over the killings in Yelwata, Benue State, ordered that they be remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre pending trial.

Leading the prosecution for the arraignment of the nine suspects was the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).

The suspects who were arraigned on a 57 – count pleaded not guilty when the counts were read to them through an interpreter.

The AGF asked for an accelerated trial, and asked the defendants be remanded at a correctional center, pending the commencement of the trial

Counsel to the 1, 8 and 9 defendants Ibrahim Angulu SAN, asked for an oral application for bail but, the court ordered the necessary process be filed to meet the bail application

The AGF said the charge against the 6th defendant Yakubu Mamman be stroked out adding that eight witnesses were ready to testify at the trial

Justice Abdulmalik however ordered that they be remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre and adjourned matter to February 26 and 27 for trial.

Earlier, the office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice assured Nigerians that justice would be served in the matter, sending a strong signal to enemies of the country acting under any disguise.

In June 2025, gunmen attacked the Yelwata community in the Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, killing 150 residents and leaving hundreds injured, displaced.

The incident sparked a major protest and widespread condemnation.

Garry Ochigbo, Edited By Grace Namiji