Plateau killings: Court remands four suspects in DSS custody, adjourns arraignment to April 30

A Plateau State High Court sitting in Jos on Thursday ordered the remand of four suspects in the custody of the Department of State Services over their alleged involvement in the March 28, 2026 killings in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area.

 

The court adjourned the case to April 30, 2026, for arraignment after proceedings could not continue due to the absence of defence counsel.

 

The suspects — Isa Umar Ibrahim, Auwalu Abubakar (also known as Auwalu Dogo), Musa Abubakar Ibrahim (also known as Yaroro), and another defendant — were arrested by the DSS between April 3 and April 10, 2026.

 

They are facing charges filed by the Plateau State Government bordering on criminal conspiracy to commit terrorism and related offences.

 

According to the charge signed by the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Philemon Daffi, the suspects allegedly conspired to plan and facilitate the attack in Angwan Rukuba, which reportedly led to the death of over 30 persons.

 

When the case came up before Justice Gidelia Damulak Fomyong, the defendants requested an adjournment to enable them to secure legal representation. The prosecution did not oppose the request but asked that they remain in DSS custody.

 

The court granted the request and fixed April 30 for arraignment.

 

After the sitting, the suspects were taken back to DSS custody.

 

The prosecution commended the Federal Government and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting the investigation and allowing the case to be prosecuted within Plateau State.

 

The March 28 attacks in parts of Bokkos, Bassa, and Jos North LGAs reportedly left more than 30 people dead, including children, prompting widespread condemnation from state and federal authorities.