Nine individuals accused of involvement in the deadly attack on Yelwata community in Benue State have pleaded not guilty to terrorism-related charges before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The suspects were arraigned before Justice Joyce Abdul-Malik on a 57-count amended charge bordering on acts of terrorism. The arraignment followed the withdrawal of charges against one of the defendants by the Attorney-General of the Federation, leaving nine persons to face trial.
The prosecution informed the court that investigations linked the defendants to the June 2025 attack on Yelwata community in Guma Local Government Area, which allegedly resulted in the burning of houses, serious injuries, and the death of about 150 people.
According to the charge, the defendants were accused of participating in meetings held between May and June 2025 in Nasarawa State, where the attack on the community was allegedly planned and coordinated.
After the amended charge was read to the defendants with the aid of an interpreter, they pleaded not guilty to all counts.
The prosecution requested an accelerated hearing and asked the court to remand the defendants in a correctional facility pending trial, noting that eight witnesses would be called to testify.
An oral application for bail was made on behalf of the defendants, but the court directed that a formal bail application be filed and fixed a date for its consideration.
Justice Abdul-Malik adjourned the matter to February 26 and 27, 2026, for the commencement of trial and ordered that the defendants be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending trial.
