Jos violence – Four defendants deny allegations, held in DSS detention

A dramatic turn of events unfolded at the Plateau State High Court on Thursday, as four suspects were remanded in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) in connection with the March 2026 killings in Anguwan Rukuba community of Jos North Local Government Area.

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The suspects, including Isa Umar Ibrahim, Auwalu Abubakar (aka Auwalu Dogo), and Musa Abubakar Ibrahim (alias Yaroro), were arraigned before Justice Gidelia Fom Yom at Court 9, facing charges of criminal conspiracy and terrorism filed by the State Attorney-General, Philemon Daffi, under the Plateau State Penal Code Law, 2017.

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During the proceedings, the charges were read to the defendants through an interpreter, and they all pleaded not guilty to the allegations, prompting the prosecution to maintain that the defendants conspired to carry out attacks that led to significant loss of lives across several locations.

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The state alleged that the group conspired to carry out the attacks that resulted in significant loss of life across several local government areas, with the killings on March 28 reportedly claiming the lives of no fewer than 30 persons, including children, in Anguwan Rukuba, Jos North LGA.

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The matter was adjourned till May 8, 2026, following an application by defence counsel, who sought more time to confer with their clients, noting that they had only met the defendants on the day of arraignment, in a bid to prepare a robust defence.

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A disagreement arose over the custody of the suspects, with defence counsel urging the court to remand them in a correctional facility to ensure adequate access, while the Attorney-General insisted on their continued detention in DSS custody, citing ongoing investigations into the alleged terrorism offences.

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Justice FomYom ruled that the gravity of the case warranted the defendants’ remand in DSS custody, but directed that the defence team be granted unhindered access to their clients, in a move aimed at ensuring a fair trial.

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Speaking with journalists after the proceedings, the Attorney-General reiterated that the nature of the charges necessitated strict detention as investigations continue, emphasizing the need for a thorough probe into the alleged terrorism offences.

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Lead defence counsel, Mustapha Saliu, expressed satisfaction with the court’s directive, assuring that the defence team would diligently pursue the case to its conclusion, and ensure that their clients receive a fair hearing.