Nine Suspects Plead Not Guilty to Terrorism Charges in Yelwata Killings Trial

In a legal development, nine suspects have entered not guilty pleas to a 57-count terrorism charge linked to the Yelwata community massacre in Nigeria's Guma Local Government Area. The suspects, arraigned before Justice Joyc Abdul Malik at the Federal High Court in Abuja, are accused of involvement in the killing of approximately 150 people.

The Attorney General of the Federation, led by Princ Lateef Fagbemi SAN, presented the amended charges against the accused individuals, with one defendant's name being struck off. The court ordered the suspects to be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Center in Abuja until the trial begins on February 26-27, 2026.

The suspects are alleged to have planned and executed the attack in June 2025, resulting in numerous deaths and property destruction. The court emphasized the seriousness of the charges and denied the defendants' bail application, ensuring they remain in custody until the trial.