Nine people facing terrorism-related charges over the deadly assault on Yelwata community in Benue State have been ordered to remain in custody by a Federal High Court in Abuja.

At proceedings held on Monday, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik directed that the defendants be held at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the filing and determination of their bail applications. Hearing dates have been fixed for February 26 and 27.

The suspects were arraigned on an amended charge containing 57 counts, all of which they denied. The prosecution, led by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), asked the court to fast-track the case due to its gravity and confirmed that eight witnesses have so far been lined up.

Defence counsel’s request to move a bail application orally was rejected, with the court insisting on a formal written application in line with established procedure.
Court documents allege that the accused planned and executed coordinated attacks that led to widespread destruction, injuries, and the reported killing of about 150 residents in Yelwata community, Guma Local Government Area. The prosecution further claims that preparatory meetings took place in Nasarawa State between May and June 2025.

The suspects were arrested through a joint operation involving multiple security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS).

Those charged include Ardo Lawal Mohammed Dono, Ardo Muhammadu Saidu, Alhaji Haruna Abdullahi, Yakubu Adamu, Alhaji Musa Mohammed, Abubakar Adamu, Shaibu Ibrahim, Sale Mohammed, and Bako Jibrin. One defendant initially listed was removed following an amendment to the charge, which the court approved.