Angwa-Rukuba Killings: Court orders suspects to remain in DSS’ custody

*Okays speedy trial

A Plateau State High Court on Friday ordered that four suspects standing trial for their alleged involvement in the March 2026 killings in the Angwa Rukuba community of Jos North Local Government Area, remain in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).

The court also agreed to a request by the prosecution to speed up the trial. The matter was adjourned to May 26 to consider the report on the case management conference, and 1st and 2nd July for hearing.

The suspects, identified as Isa Umar Ibrahim, Auwalu Abubakar (also known as Auwalu Dogo), Musa Abubakar Ibrahim (also known as Yaroro), and others, are facing charges of terrorism and criminal conspiracy.

The charges were filed by the State Attorney General, Philemon Daffi, under the Plateau State Penal Code Law, 2017.
On Friday, Mustapha Shabbat (SAN), who announced his appearance for the defendants, objected to their continued detention in the facility of the DSS.
In a short ruling, however, the trial judge held it it remained the discretion of the court to determine where to keep suspects under trial.

“Considering the facts and circumstances of this case, this honorable court has jurisdiction to remand the defendant in the custody of DSS or correctional centr provided the place of custody is safe.
“The defendants are hereby remanded in the custody of the DSS. They must however be allowed to have access to his counsels while in detention pending the prompt conclusion of investigation,” ruled the judge.

Court: Case management has already been taken place in accordance with the provisions of the law. The case is hereby adjourned to 26th May for report of the court on case management and further adjourned to 1st and 2nd July, 2026 for hearing.

The particulars of offence read, in part “That you, Isa Umar Ibrahim, Musa Abubakar Ibrahim of Riyom Local Government Area, Auwalu Abubakar (A.K.A Auwalu Dogo) of Jos North Local Government Area, Musa Abubakar Ibrahim (A.K.A Yaroro) of Jos North Local Government Areas of Plateau State; and one Ado Ibrahim (Now at Large) of Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, on the 28th day of March, 2025 at Farin Gada, Jos North Local Government Area, did conspire amongst yourselves to commit offences relating to terrorism when you planned, organized, facilitated, aided, and contributed money to carry out the attack in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State within the Jurisdiction of this Honourable Court; you thereby committed the above offence.

“That you, Isa Umar Ibrahim, Musa Abubakar Ibrahim of Riyom Local Government Area, Auwalu Abubakar (A.K.A Auwalu Dogo) of Jos North Local Government Area, Musa Abubakar Ibrahim (A.K.A Yaroro) of Jos North Local Government Areas of Plateau State; and one Ado Ibrahim (Now at Large) of Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, on the 28th day of March, 2025 at Farin Gada, Jos North Local Government Area, did commit the offence of terrorism when you planned, organized, facilitated, aided, contributed and received money to carry out an attack in Angwan Rukuba, which led to the death of over thirty (30) people in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State within the Jurisdiction of this Honourable Court.”

Part of the particulars of Alhassan’s offence read, “That you Adamu Isah Alhassan together with one Ibrahim Musa (Now at Large), Imarana Sa’idu (Now at Large), Yusuf Sa’idu (Now at Large) Aliyu Usaini (Now at Large), Yahuza Adamu (Now at Large), Mubarak Yunusa (Now at Large), Yakubu, whose surname is unknown (Now at Large) and others also at large between the months of January to December, 2025 and in January, 2026 at Gwang, Rin Ward, Bachit and Bangai Villages of Riyom Local Government Area and Vom in Jos South Local Government Areas of Plateau State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did commit an illegal act to wit: Culpable Homicide Punishable with Death, when you armed yourselves with guns, attacked and killed the residents of Gwang, Rin Ward, Bachit and Bangai Villages of Riyom Local Government Area and Vom in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, and you thereby committed the above offence.”