Yelwata massacre: Trial stalled as defendant slumps in court

The trial of nine suspected terrorists linked with the June 2025 killings in the Yelwata area of Benue State was stalled after one of the defendants fainted at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday, March 24, 2026.

The third defendant, Haruna Abdullahi, slumped from his seat and fell to the floor, prior to the commencement of the case before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik.

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) officials who brought the defendants to court tried to revive Abdullahi and later helped him back on his chair, but he remained unresponsive.

Upon resumed hearing, the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), told the court that the matter was slated for trial-within-trial.

Oyedepo, however, said he was informed by the NCoS officials that Abdullahi developed serious health issues while in court, adding that the defendant must be well to face his trial.

Ahmed Mohammad, who appeared for Abdullahi, prayed the court for an adjournment to enable the defendant get medical attention at any hospital in Abuja.

Yelwata killings: Court sends 9 suspected terrorists to Kuje prison

Counsel for the first defendant, Ibrahim Angulu (SAN), and Oyedepo did not object to the request for adjournment.

Justice Abdulmalik, thereafter, adjourned the matter until March 30 and 31, 2026, for the continuation of trial.

The judge also ordered that hearing notices should be served on the defendants.

The defendants, who were arraigned on 57-count amended charge bordering on alleged terrorism offences, pleaded not guilty to all the counts.

They were alleged to have carried out the terror attack on Yelwata where many houses were razed and about 150 people killed, while others sustained various degree of injuries on June 13, 2025.

The Star