Nigerian Government Arraigns Nine Over Yelwata Killings in Terrorism Case

The Federal Government of Nigeria has arraigned nine individuals before Justice Joyc Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja over their alleged involvement in a terrorist attack that led to the deaths of around 200 people in Yelwata community, Benue State, in June. The lead prosecutor, Princ Lateef Fagbemi SAN, filed 57 amended charges bordering on terrorism.

The defendants, including Yakubu Mamman, were accused of carrying out the attack on June 13, 2025, resulting in the burning of houses and the massacre of over 150 people. The charges also included allegations of conspiracy, rendering material support for terrorism, and providing weapons for the attack.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. The trial is set to commence on February 26, with the defendants remanded in the Kuje Correctional Center.