The Plateau State Government has taken a significant step in the prosecution of suspects linked to the March 2026 killings in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area, filing terrorism-related charges against five individuals.
Four of the suspects—Isa Umar Ibrahim, Auwalu Abubakar (also known as Auwalu Dogo), Musa Abubakar Ibrahim (alias Yaroro), and Adamu Isa Alhassan—were arraigned before the Plateau State High Court under tight security. A fifth suspect, Ado Ibrahim, remains at large.
The defendants were arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) between April 3 and April 10, 2026, following investigations into the attack that claimed the lives of more than 30 people.
According to court documents filed by the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Philemon Daffi, the accused allegedly conspired to plan, organise, and finance the assault on the Angwan Rukuba community.
Parts of the charge state that the defendants “planned, organised, facilitated and contributed money to carry out the attack,” which resulted in multiple deaths.
The charges—filed under Sections 269 and 270 of the Plateau State Penal Code Law, 2017—border on criminal conspiracy to commit terrorism and other related offences.
While three of the suspects are facing terrorism-related counts, the fourth defendant, Adamu Isa Alhassan, is also charged with culpable homicide, illegal possession of firearms, and unlawful dealing in arms and ammunition. Prosecutors further allege that he was involved in a series of attacks across Riyom and parts of Jos South between 2025 and early 2026.
The arraignment drew heightened security presence at the court premises, reflecting public interest in the case and lingering tension in affected communities.
The March 2026 attack, which also impacted parts of Bokkos and Bassa local government areas, sparked widespread outrage and protests, with many calling for justice and stronger security measures.
President Bola Tinubu, who visited Plateau State in the aftermath, assured victims’ families that “those responsible will be brought to justice.”
The case has been adjourned to April 30, 2026, as security agencies continue efforts to apprehend the remaining suspect.
