A Plateau State High Court on Thursday ordered the remand of four suspects in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) over their alleged involvement in the March 28, 2026, killings in Angwan Rukuba community, Jos North Local Government Area.
The court adjourned the matter to April 30, 2026, for arraignment after proceedings could not continue due to the absence of defence counsel.
The suspects — Isa Umar Ibrahim; Auwalu Abubakar, also known as Auwalu Dogo; Musa Abubakar Ibrahim, also known as Yaroro; and another individual — were arrested by the DSS between April 3 and April 10, 2026.
They are facing charges of criminal conspiracy to commit terrorism and other related offences filed by the Plateau State Government.
The charge, signed by the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Philemon Daffi, alleges that the defendants “conspired amongst themselves to commit offences relating to terrorism when they planned, organised, facilitated, aided and contributed money to carry out the attack in Angwan Rukuba, which led to the death of over 30 persons.”
The offences are said to be contrary to Section 269 and punishable under Section 270 of the Penal Code Law of Plateau State, 2017.
When the case came up before Justice Gidelia Damulak Fomyong in Court 12, Jos, the suspects, speaking through an interpreter, requested an adjournment to enable them secure legal representation of their choice.
Prosecution counsel and Solicitor-General of Plateau State, Joel Tagven, did not oppose the application but asked the court to remand the suspects in DSS custody to ensure access for continued investigation.
Justice Fomyong granted the request and ordered that the suspects remain in DSS custody, adjourning the case to April 30, 2026, for arraignment. The suspects were thereafter escorted back to DSS detention in a bus.
Speaking to journalists after the sitting, the Solicitor-General commended President Bola Tinubu for what he described as measures that enabled the prosecution process in the state.
He cited the directive that led to the arrest of the suspects, the approval for their prosecution within Plateau State instead of transfer to Abuja, the provision of security infrastructure such as CCTV cameras, and improved collaboration between federal and state authorities.
The March 28 attack on communities in Bokkos and Bassa LGAs, including Angwan Rukuba, reportedly left more than 30 people dead, including children.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang had condemned the incident, describing it as genocide rather than a farmer-herder clash, and vowed that perpetrators would be brought to justice while assuring residents that efforts were underway to restore lasting peace.
President Bola Tinubu, during a visit to the state, also condemned the killings, promised justice for victims, and urged residents to remain vigilant.