The Plateau State High Court sitting in Jos on Friday heard that one of the suspects standing trial over the Angwa Rukuba killings allegedly led more than 100 militiamen in attacks on Vom and several villages in Riyom Local Government Area of the state.
The suspect, Adamu Alhassan Isa, also known as Shagari Bangai, is among four men arrested by the Department of State Services, DSS, in connection with the Angwa Rukuba massacre.
According to the prosecution’s witness, a DSS officer, Isa admitted in his confessional statement to leading the armed group in the attacks on communities in Riyom LGA. The witness also told the court that more than N4 million, suspected to be linked to terrorism financing, was found in Isa’s bank account at the time of his arrest.
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The court was told that the suspect and the others are facing charges of criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide, illegal possession of firearms, and illegal dealing in arms and ammunition.
The Angwa Rukuba attack occurred on Palm Sunday in 2026, when gunmen reportedly invaded the area in Jos North Local Government Area and killed about 30 persons. In the aftermath of the attack, the DSS arrested three other suspects identified as Isa Umar Ibrahim, Auwalu Abubakar also known as Auwalu Dogo, and Musa Abubakar Ibrahim, also known as Yaroro.
The Plateau State Government subsequently arraigned the four suspects alongside Ado Ibrahim, who is said to be at large.
During cross-examination, counsel to the defendant, Mustapha Ibrahim Shaba, SAN, applied for the Certified True Copies of the statements made by the arresting and investigating officers in order to compare them with the photocopies earlier served on the defence.
Presiding judge, Justice Danladi Longden, adjourned the matter until July 3, 2026, for the prosecution to provide the certified copies of the defendant’s statement and for the continuation of trial.
Crediblenewsng.com
