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The Department of State Services (DSS) has brought federal charges against suspects involved in the tragic attacks on the people of Yelwata village in the Guma local government area of Benue State. The attacks, which left several dead and others injured, have led to significant legal action as the Nigerian government seeks justice.
The DSS filed high court charges against nine suspects, with two—Haruna Adamu and Muhammad Abdullahi of Awe local government area of Nassarawa state—currently facing court proceedings on four counts related to the Yelwata massacre. The other seven suspects remain at large. The charges stem from intelligence gathered by DSS operatives and are punishable under section 12 of the Terrorism Prevention Act of 2022.
The DSS also accused the two defendants of concealing information about the planned acts of terrorism and killings in Abinsi and Yelwata villages between June 13th and 14th. The charge, filed by the Director of Public Prosecution of the federation, Muhammad Abubakar, on behalf of the federal government, implicates the defendants in a conspiracy to commit terrorist acts with individuals still at large, including Beniyon, Bako Malowa, Ibrahim Tunga, Asara Ahadu, Legu Musa, Adamu Yale, Boddi Ayuba, and Pyeure Damina.
In a related development, two other suspects, Terkende Ashuwa and Amos Alede of Guma local government area, were slammed with a three-count charge for allegedly carrying out reprisal attacks against the same suspects involved in the Abinsi and Yelwata incidents.
Further charges have been leveled against additional individuals. A 32-year-old woman, Halima Haliru Umar of Faskari local government area of Kastina State, was slammed with a four-count charge of concealing information about one Alhaji Sani, a suspected gun runner, bandit, and kidnapper. Separately, Silas Olodu Oloche of Agatu LGA in Benue State faces a six-count charge for the unlawful possession of 18 firearms (grenades) without a license, an offense punishable under section 27 of the Firearms Act.
Several other individuals caught with firearms have also been charged by the federal government, though no trial date has been set for the suspects.
The DSS continues its efforts to apprehend the remaining suspects and bring them to justice. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
