Yelwata Attack Trial Stalled Over Legal Representation Issues

The trial of nine suspects accused of involvement in the June 13, 2025 Yelwata attack in Benue State has been stalled as the Federal High Court in Abuja addressed the absence of legal representation for the 7th and 8th defendants. Justice Joyc Abdulmalik presided over the case, where counsel Ibrahim Angulu SAN indicated a potential withdrawal from representing the two defendants.

However, the court, upon questioning, found that the defendants denied sending any message to disengage Angulu. Consequently, Justice Abdulmalik refused the application to withdraw and ordered that the Nigerian Correctional Service grant Angulu unhindered access to the defendants for proper legal consultation.

The trial is set to continue on March 4, with the nine defendants facing 57 counts of amended charges related to terrorism. Additionally, the Benue State government confirmed that a team of federal medical pathologists is in the state to conduct forensic examinations of the victims, although the report has yet to be released.