- Court Halts Yelwata Killings Trial After Defendant Slumps
- Correctional officers rushed to assist him and managed to get him back onto his chair
- The defendants are facing a 57-count amended charge bordering on alleged terrorism offences
The trial of nine suspected terrorists linked to the June 2025 Yelwata killings was temporarily halted after one of the defendants collapsed in court.
Eko Hot Blog reports the incident occurred before proceedings began at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where the case is being heard by Joyce Abdulmalik.
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The third defendant, Alhaji Haruna Abdullahi, suddenly slumped from his seat, prompting immediate concern in the courtroom. Correctional officers rushed to assist him and managed to get him back onto his chair, but he remained unresponsive.
When the court resumed, prosecution counsel Rotimi Oyedepo said the case was scheduled for a trial-within-trial but noted that Abdullahi had developed serious health issues after arriving in court.
He clarified that the Federal Government was prosecuting, not persecuting, the defendants, who are facing charges over their alleged involvement in the killings in Yelwata community, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State. He added that the defendant must be in good health to stand trial.
Court
Counsel to the third defendant, Ahmed Mohammad, told the court that although his client came to court on his own, his condition worsened during proceedings. He requested an adjournment to allow him receive proper medical attention in Abuja.
Lawyers representing other defendants, including Ibrahim Angulu, did not oppose the request.
Justice Abdulmalik subsequently adjourned the case to March 30 and 31 for continuation of trial and directed that hearing notices be served on all defendants.
The defendants are facing a 57-count amended charge bordering on alleged terrorism offences, to which they have all pleaded not guilty.
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