*Okays speedy trial

A Plateau State High Court on Friday ordered that four suspects standing trial for their alleged involvement in the March 2026 killings in the Angwa Rukuba community of Jos North Local Government Area, remain in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).

The court also agreed to a request by the prosecution to speed up the trial. The matter was adjourned to May 26 to consider the report on the case management conference, and 1st and 2nd July for hearing.

The suspects, identified as Isa Umar Ibrahim, Auwalu Abubakar (also known as Auwalu Dogo), Musa Abubakar Ibrahim (also known as Yaroro), and others, are facing charges of terrorism and criminal conspiracy.

The charges were filed by the State Attorney General, Philemon Daffi, under the Plateau State Penal Code Law, 2017.
On Friday, Mustapha Shabbat (SAN), who announced his appearance for the defendants, objected to their continued detention in the facility of the DSS.
In a short ruling, however, the trial judge held it it remained the discretion of the court to determine where to keep suspects under trial.

“Considering the facts and circumstances of this case, this honorable court has jurisdiction to remand the defendant in the custody of DSS or correctional centr provided the place of custody is safe.
“The defendants are hereby remanded in the custody of the DSS. They must however be allowed to have access to his counsels while in detention pending the prompt conclusion of investigation,” ruled the judge.

Court: Case management has already been taken place in accordance with the provisions of the law. The case is hereby adjourned to 26th May for report of the court on case management and further adjourned to 1st and 2nd July, 2026 for hearing.

The particulars of offence read, in part “That you, Isa Umar Ibrahim, Musa Abubakar Ibrahim of Riyom Local Government Area, Auwalu Abubakar (A.K.A Auwalu Dogo) of Jos North Local Government Area, Musa Abubakar Ibrahim (A.K.A Yaroro) of Jos North Local Government Areas of Plateau State; and one Ado Ibrahim (Now at Large) of Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, on the 28th day of March, 2025 at Farin Gada, Jos North Local Government Area, did conspire amongst yourselves to commit offences relating to terrorism when you planned, organized, facilitated, aided, and contributed money to carry out the attack in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State within the Jurisdiction of this Honourable Court; you thereby committed the above offence.

“That you, Isa Umar Ibrahim, Musa Abubakar Ibrahim of Riyom Local Government Area, Auwalu Abubakar (A.K.A Auwalu Dogo) of Jos North Local Government Area, Musa Abubakar Ibrahim (A.K.A Yaroro) of Jos North Local Government Areas of Plateau State; and one Ado Ibrahim (Now at Large) of Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, on the 28th day of March, 2025 at Farin Gada, Jos North Local Government Area, did commit the offence of terrorism when you planned, organized, facilitated, aided, contributed and received money to carry out an attack in Angwan Rukuba, which led to the death of over thirty (30) people in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State within the Jurisdiction of this Honourable Court.”

Part of the particulars of Alhassan’s offence read, “That you Adamu Isah Alhassan together with one Ibrahim Musa (Now at Large), Imarana Sa’idu (Now at Large), Yusuf Sa’idu (Now at Large) Aliyu Usaini (Now at Large), Yahuza Adamu (Now at Large), Mubarak Yunusa (Now at Large), Yakubu, whose surname is unknown (Now at Large) and others also at large between the months of January to December, 2025 and in January, 2026 at Gwang, Rin Ward, Bachit and Bangai Villages of Riyom Local Government Area and Vom in Jos South Local Government Areas of Plateau State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did commit an illegal act to wit: Culpable Homicide Punishable with Death, when you armed yourselves with guns, attacked and killed the residents of Gwang, Rin Ward, Bachit and Bangai Villages of Riyom Local Government Area and Vom in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, and you thereby committed the above offence.”

A prominent support group within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Niger State has thrown its weight behind Governor Mohammed Umar Bago and Senator Sani Musa, declaring them worthy of re-election for another term in office.

The group, under the aegis of the APC Grassroots Mobilization Network, made the endorsement during a strategic meeting held in Minna on Tuesday, citing the duo’s impressive performance, developmental strides, and commitment to the welfare of the people of Niger State.

In a communique signed by its Coordinator, Alhaji Abdullahi Ibrahim, and Secretary, Hajiya Aisha Mohammed, the group highlighted Governor Bago’s transformative leadership since assuming office.

“Governor Mohammed Umar Bago has redefined governance in Niger State,” the communique stated.

“His administration has prioritized infrastructure development, agricultural revolution, education, healthcare, and security with visible results across the three senatorial districts.

“From massive road constructions and urban renewal projects in Minna and other major towns to the revitalization of agricultural value chains that have boosted food production and empowered farmers, Bago has delivered on his promises.”

The group specifically praised the governor’s efforts in attracting investments to the state, improving the ease of doing business, and his proactive approach to tackling insecurity through community engagement and enhanced collaboration with security agencies.

On Senator Sani Musa, who represents the Niger East Senatorial District, the APC group lauded his legislative contributions and constituency outreach programmes.

“Senator Sani Musa has been a strong voice for Niger State at the Red Chamber. His quality representation is evident in sponsored bills and motions that address critical national and state issues, as well as numerous empowerment and developmental projects executed across his constituency,” the statement added.

The group noted that Senator Musa’s consistent support for Governor Bago’s developmental agenda has created a harmonious working relationship that is benefiting the people.

They described the senator as a “reliable bridge” between the state and the federal government.

“Changing leadership now would amount to a setback. Governor Bago and Senator Sani Musa have laid a solid foundation. They deserve the opportunity to build upon it for the next four years.”

The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) has rapped the Socio-economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) for berating the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) over Tuesday’s judgement awarding N100 million to two operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) defamed by the NGO.

Aside the N100 million awarded for general damages, Justice Halilu Yusuf ordered SERAP to pay Operatives Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundele N1 million as cost of litigation, tender apology in two national newspapers and two television stations, as well as on its website and X handle.

SERAP and persons associated with the NGO have been condemning the judgement, describing it as a “travesty” and an attempt by government to muzzle free speech.

While one senior lawyer and trustee of SERAP, Ebun-Olu Adegborowa alleged that the judgment did not reflect the legal arguments canvassed in the case, the group’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, described the judgement as strange.

“I’ve been in court several times where I’ve seen even undefended defamation cases that get thrown out because it’s straightforward.

You have to prove that the statement was made, you have to prove that it referred to the claimant, you have to prove that it was false, you have to prove that it was published to a third party, and you have to prove damages — how you lowered their reputation in the eyes of right-thinking members of society,” said Oluwadare Thursday on News Central TV.

However, CDHR frowned at SERAP’s outbursts, saying it was at variance with the ideals of the NGO which claims to be championing socio-economic rights and accountability.

Said CDHR, “As a foremost human rights organization committed to the rule of law, constitutionalism, and democratic accountability, CDHR believes that every individual and institution — including civil society organisations — must respect the decisions of competent courts, regardless of personal opinions or institutional interests.

“While citizens and advocacy groups retain the constitutional right to freedom of expression and public criticism, such rights must be exercised responsibly and within the bounds of the law.

The court, after reviewing the evidence before it, found that the publication made against the DSS operatives was defamatory and injurious to their professional reputation,” noted the group, in a statement signed by Comrade Debo Adeniran and Comrade Deacon Jeremiah Onyibe, President and Secretary Board of Trustees and National Publicity Secretary respectively.

“The rule of law remains the foundation of every democratic society. Human rights advocacy must coexist with accountability, fairness, and respect for due process.

“CDHR reiterates that no organisation, regardless of its status in civil society, is above the law, just as no security agency should be shielded from lawful scrutiny. Justice and responsibility must apply equally to all,” stressed the group.

CDHR advised SERAP to “respect the judgment of the court; comply with all lawful directives contained in the judgement pending any appeal, and to refrain from further public statements capable of worsening tensions or undermining judicial authority.”

The group also advised SERAP to “allow the legal process run its full course through the appellate system if it remains dissatisfied with the judgment, and to avoid inflammatory narratives capable of deepening institutional distrust or portraying the judiciary as partisan without credible basis.”

On its part, the Centre Against Injustice and Domestic Violence (CAIDOV) upbraided
SERAP for deriding the judgement of the court. The group’s position was contained in a statement signed by its Executive director, Comrade Gbenga Soloki.

Said CAIDOV, “SERAP first made the claim that DSS officers invaded their Abuja office on September 9, 2024. Nearly two years after, and realising that they misrepresented the facts, it is worrying that the tweet is still pinned on their X handle.

“We in the human rights community should lead by example. We should not be seen as the very persons breaching human rights in the name of free speech. Human rights is universal. It is for everybody. We should not trample on the rights of others simply because they chose to be security agents.

“Very big corporations around the world have at one time or the other been caught lying or cheating. Just last year, Deloitte, PwC, & EY Netherlands was fined $8.5 million for cheating. In 2024, KPMG Netherlands was fined

$25 million for widespread cheating on training exams.’What, therefore, is is the big deal in a Nigerian court imposing a N100 million (less than $72,000) fine on SERAP for defamation which is euphemism for lying?”

Continued the group, “Seeing senior lawyers like Ebun-Olu Adegborowa, who ordinarily should be encouraging their clients to appeal judgements, spend time castigating judgements already delivered, leaves a sour taste in the mouth.

“SERAP had nearly two years the matter lasted in court to assemble the best lawyers in their arsenal. They failed to. All their legal luminaries waited until they lost the case, then turned to the media to wage propaganda against two operatives of the DSS.

“It is sad that the same SERAP that has a history of relying on our law courts to hold government agencies and public office holders accountable, is now disparaging the same institution simply because they didn’t win this time around.

“If people like Ebun-Olu Adegborowa feel that they know more than our very reverred learned judges, it is not too late for him to transmute from a lawyer to a judge,” the group declared.