Yelwata Massacre: Trial Stalled Again As Court Adjourns To March 9

Updated March 4, 2026

The trial of nine suspects linked to the 2025 Yelwata massacre in Benue State was stalled again on Wednesday at the Federal High Court in Abuja following another adjournment.

The delay came after counsel to the 8th and 9th defendants, Y.A. Hassan, told the court it was his first appearance in the case and requested time to study the file. He explained that the previous lawyer had yet to transfer the case materials to him.

The Director of Public Prosecutions, Rotimi Oyedepo, did not oppose the request but asked the court to grant only a short adjournment.

While granting the application, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik warned that the case is of significant public interest and stressed that unnecessary delays would not be tolerated. She noted that the court was “bending over backwards” to accommodate the defence and adjourned proceedings to March 9 and 10 for a day-to-day trial.

Arraignment and Charges

On February 2, the Federal Government arraigned the suspects before the Federal High Court on a 57-count charge. They pleaded not guilty when the charges were read through an interpreter.

The Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, had pushed for an accelerated hearing, informing the court that eight witnesses were ready to testify.

The defendants were ordered remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending trial. Earlier oral bail applications were made by counsel representing the first, eighth and ninth defendants.

Background to the Case

The charges stem from the June 2025 attack on Yelwata community in Guma Local Government Area, where gunmen reportedly killed scores of residents and displaced hundreds.

The incident drew widespread condemnation and protests. Security agencies later announced arrests in connection with the killings.

President Bola Tinubu visited the state after the attack and directed security agencies to apprehend those responsible, questioning why arrests had not been made at the time.

The case continues to attract national attention as families of victims await justice, with the court now set to proceed with accelerated hearings in the coming week.