Plateau Court Rules States Can Try Terrorism Suspects

On Tuesday, a High Court in Plateau State ruled that state High Courts have the jurisdiction to try individuals accused of terrorism and related charges under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act (TPPA) 2022. This ruling is significant as it could change the landscape of Nigeria's approach to terrorism trials, which were previously thought to be under the exclusive purview of Federal High Courts.

Justice Gedeliah Fwomyon presided over the case involving four suspects arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) for their alleged involvement in the Easter 2026 Angwa Rukuba massacre. The suspects are Isa Umar Ibrahim, Adamu Isa Alhassan, Auwalu Abubakar (also known as Auwalu Dogo), and Musa Abubakar Ibrahim (also known as Yaroro).

During the trial, the defendants' counsel raised jurisdictional objections, arguing that state High Courts lacked the authority to hear terrorism cases. However, the judge determined that the TPPA does not prohibit state courts from trying such cases, and there are no constitutional barriers preventing state legislatures from enacting laws on terrorism.