THE Plateau State High Court in Jos has resumed proceedings in the case involving suspects linked to the Anguwan Rukuba killings, with one of the defendants, Adamu Alhassan, pleading not guilty to all charges brought against him.
The trial, presided over by Justice Jacob Longden, saw court proceedings translated into Hausa to ensure the defendant fully understood the allegations.
The Plateau State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Philemon Daffi, informed the court that the charges filed on April 17, 2026 were supported by exhibits and witness statements, urging that they be read aloud for the defendant’s response.
According to the prosecution, Alhassan and others still at large were allegedly involved in a series of attacks on communities in Bachit, Riyom Local Government Area, and Vom in Jos South between 2025 and January 2026, incidents said to have resulted in multiple fatalities.
The defendant denied all six counts, which include criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide, terrorism, unlawful possession of firearms, and illegal arms dealings.
Defence counsel, Mustapha Ibrahim (SAN), requested time to consult with his client and prepare a response, while opposing the prosecution’s request to keep the defendant in the custody of the Department of State Services.
He argued that detention in a correctional facility would better protect the defendant’s rights and allow proper access to legal representation.
However, the prosecution maintained that ongoing investigations and the fact that other suspects are still at large justified continued detention by the DSS.
In his ruling, Justice Longden adjourned the case to May 8, 2026, for a case management conference and ordered that the defendant remain in DSS custody pending the start of the trial.
