Mirian Gom 
ABUJA, Nigeria – Nine suspects accused of involvement in the deadly Yelwata attack in Benue State are pleading not guilty to 57 terrorism-related counts before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The defendants appear before Justice Joyce Abdul-Malik on Monday following the withdrawal of charges against one co-accused by the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).
Prosecutors say the suspects are “strongly linked to the killings in Yelwata” after what they describe as a painstaking investigation involving multiple government agencies.
According to the amended charge, the defendants allegedly participated in meetings between May and June 2025 to plan the attack on Yelwata community in Guma Local Government Area.
The June 13, 2025, attack reportedly resulted in the burning of homes, grievous injuries and the deaths of about 150 people. Yelwata Attack Suspects Plead Not Guilty to Terrorism Charges
“That you knowingly participated in meetings in connection with an act of terrorism,” the charge reads, citing offences under the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act.
The defendants deny all counts.
Fagbemi asks the court for an accelerated hearing and the remand of the accused pending trial, while defence lawyers seek bail.
Justice Abdul-Malik orders the suspects remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre and adjourns proceedings to February 26 and 27 for trial.
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