By Palang Paul
At least four suspects linked to the deadly March 28 attacks in Plateau State were on Thursday remanded in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) by the Plateau State High Court, as proceedings opened on charges of terrorism and criminal conspiracy.
The defendants—Isa Umar Ibrahim, Auwalu Abubakar, also known as Auwalu Dogo, and Musa Abubakar Ibrahim, also known as Yaroro, among others—pleaded not guilty when the charges were read in court. They are accused of orchestrating the violence that claimed no fewer than 30 lives, including children, across Bassa and Bokkos local government areas.
Presiding over the matter, Justice Gidelia FomYom adjourned proceedings to May 8, 2026, for a Court Management Conference, following an application by the defense counsel seeking more time to confer with the accused persons.
Defense lawyer Mustapha Saliu told the court that his team had only just met the defendants on the day of arraignment and needed adequate time to prepare their case. The request was not opposed.
A key issue during the hearing was the custody of the suspects. While the defense urged the court to transfer them to a correctional facility to ensure easier access for legal consultations, the Plateau State Attorney General, Philemon Daffi, argued that the gravity of the terrorism-related charges and ongoing investigations required that the defendants remain in DSS custody.
In his ruling, Justice FomYom sided with the prosecution, stating that the scale and sensitivity of the case justified continued detention by the DSS. He, however, directed that the defense team be granted unhindered access to their clients.
Speaking to journalists after the session, Attorney General Daffi emphasized that the charges were filed under the Plateau State Penal Code Law, 2017, and insisted that strict detention was necessary to safeguard the integrity of ongoing investigations.
Lead defense counsel Saliu, on his part, expressed satisfaction with the court’s directive on access, assuring that the defense would diligently pursue the case to its conclusion.
The March 28 attacks in Angwan Rukuba and surrounding communities in Jos North Local Government Area triggered widespread outrage, with residents and authorities calling for swift justice for victims of one of the deadliest episodes of violence in the state this year.
As the case heads toward its next hearing, attention remains fixed on the courtroom, where both prosecution and defense are expected to shape a legal battle over accountability and justice for the victims.
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