Benue killings: FG arraigns nine suspects in Abuja court

The Federal Government, on Monday, arraigned nine suspects arrested in connection with the killings in Yelwata community, Benue State.

The suspects were brought before Justice Joyce Abdul-Malik of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on charges linked to the violent attack on Yelwata in Guma Local Government Area. The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), led the prosecution.

According to court proceedings, the defendants were arraigned on 57 counts, all of which were read and explained to them with the assistance of an interpreter.

Earlier, the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation had assured Nigerians that justice would be pursued diligently in the case, describing the prosecution as a strong signal to individuals and groups threatening national security under any guise.

In a statement issued by the Special Assistant to the AGF and Minister of Justice on Media, Kamarudeen Ogundele, the Federal Government reiterated its commitment to protecting the lives and property of all Nigerians.

“The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to the protection of the lives and property of all Nigerians, as enshrined in the Constitution,” the statement said.

Ogundele added that the arraignment followed “painstaking investigations and extensive collaboration among relevant government agencies.”

Recall that in June 2025, gunmen attacked the Yelwata community in the Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, killing scores of residents and displacing hundreds. The incident sparked widespread condemnation and protests within and outside the state.

Following the attack, security agencies announced the arrest of several suspects believed to be connected to the violence.