The Federal Government has commenced the prosecution of nine individuals accused of involvement in the deadly attack on Yelwata community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, where about 150 people were reportedly killed in June 2025.
The suspects were arraigned on Monday before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja. The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbami, SAN, is leading the prosecution team on behalf of the government.
According to court documents, the defendants are facing a 57-count amended charge arising from their alleged roles in the attack, following what authorities described as extensive investigations and inter-agency collaboration.
Those standing trial are Ado Mohammed Dono, Mohammed Saidu, Alhaji Haruna Abdullahi, Yakubu Adamu, Mohammed Musa, Abubakar Adamu, Shaibu Ibrahim, Saleh Mohammed, and Bako Jibril. All nine defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Ahead of the arraignment, the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring justice in the case. In a statement issued on Sunday, the ministry said the prosecution was intended to demonstrate the administration’s resolve to protect lives and property and to hold perpetrators of violent crimes accountable.
The statement added that the Federal Government remains committed to upholding constitutional provisions on the security and welfare of all citizens, regardless of location or circumstance.
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