JOS, Plateau State – A Department of State Services (DSS) operative has told a Plateau State High Court that one of the suspects standing trial over the Angwa Rukuba killings confessed to leading more than 100 armed men in a series of deadly attacks on several communities in the state.
The shocking testimony was delivered on Friday, June 19, before Justice Danladi Longden in Jos, as the trial of five individuals linked to the Palm Sunday massacre that claimed about 30 lives in Jos North Local Government Area continued.
The Confession
According to the prosecution witness, the defendant, Adamu Alhassan Isa, also known as Shagari Bangai, made a confessional statement detailing his involvement in widespread violence across Plateau State. The DSS operative told the court that Isa admitted to leading over 100 armed men during attacks on Vom and several communities in Riyom Local Government Area.
Terrorism Financing Allegations
In a further revelation, the witness alleged that over N4 million suspected to be linked to terrorism financing was discovered in Isa's bank account at the time of his arrest. The prosecution is expected to present this as evidence of broader criminal networks funding the attacks.
The Defendants
Isa is being prosecuted alongside four others:
· Isa Umar Ibrahim
· Auwalu Abubakar (also known as Auwalu Dogo)
· Musa Abubakar Ibrahim (popularly called Yaroro)
· Ado Ibrahim – who remains at large
All five face charges including criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide, unlawful possession of firearms, and illegal dealing in arms and ammunition.
Court Adjournment
During cross-examination, defence counsel Mustapha Shaba requested certified true copies of statements obtained from the arresting and investigating officers. The defence intends to compare the certified documents with photocopies previously provided by the prosecution as part of its case preparation.
Justice Longden adjourned the matter until July 3 to allow the prosecution to provide the requested documents and for the trial to continue.
A Continuing Crisis
The trial forms part of broader efforts by authorities to prosecute those responsible for the deadly Angwa Rukuba attack, one of several violent incidents that have heightened security concerns in Plateau State in recent years. The state has witnessed recurring communal clashes, with hundreds of lives lost and communities displaced.
As the judicial process unfolds, many residents are watching closely, hoping that the trial will deliver justice for the victims and serve as a deterrent to those who perpetrate violence in the region.
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We will continue to follow this trial and bring you updates as the case progresses.
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