Plateau killings: Suspects to remain in DSS custody

A Plateau State High Court has ordered that suspects facing trial over the deadly Angwa Rukuba killings remain in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), despite objections from defence lawyers.

The ruling was delivered on Friday during proceedings involving suspects accused of terrorism and criminal conspiracy linked to the March 2026 attack in Angwa Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area.

The defendants include Isa Umar Ibrahim, Auwalu Abubakar and Musa Abubakar Ibrahim, alongside other accused persons.

During the hearing, defence counsel Mustapha Shabbat challenged the continued detention of the defendants in DSS custody.

However, the trial judge ruled that the court had the authority to determine where suspects should be held during trial, provided the location was secure.

“Considering the facts and circumstances of this case, this honourable court has jurisdiction to remand the defendants in the custody of the DSS or correctional centre provided the place of custody is safe,” the judge held.

The court also directed that the accused persons must be allowed access to their lawyers while investigations continue.

In addition, the court granted the prosecution’s request for an accelerated hearing of the case. The matter was adjourned to May 26 for a report on case management, while substantive hearings are expected to begin on July 1 and 2.

The charges were filed by the Plateau State Attorney General, Philemon Daffi, under the Plateau State Penal Code Law, 2017.

According to court documents, the suspects allegedly conspired to organise and finance attacks carried out in Angwa Rukuba and surrounding areas, leading to the deaths of more than 30 people.

The prosecution further alleged that the defendants planned and facilitated acts of terrorism in Jos North and nearby communities within Plateau State.

Another suspect, Adamu Isah Alhassan, was separately accused alongside several persons still at large of participating in armed attacks in Riyom and Jos South local government areas between 2025 and 2026.

The alleged attacks reportedly affected communities including Gwang, Rin Ward, Bachit, Bangai and Vom, resulting in multiple deaths and destruction.