The Federal Government has arraigned nine suspects over their alleged involvement in the attack on Yelwata community in Benue State.
The suspects were brought before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja, on Monday.
At the commencement of proceedings, Lateef Fagbemi, Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), told the court that a 57-amended count had been filed against the defendants.
The amended charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/471/2025 was filed on January 20, 2026.
Fagbemi prayed the court to strike out the name ‘Yakubu Mamman’, a defendant, leaving the remaining nine to take their plea.
There were no objections from the defence lawyers, including Ibrahim Angulu, A. I. Kaura and Adamu Abdullah.
Consequently, the Mamman was removed from the amended charge.
The judge also struck out the previous charge filed on September 10, 2025 which had eight defendants listed.
All nine defendants present in court pleaded not guilty to the 57-count ammended charge.
The nine suspects include Ardo Lawal Mohammed, Muhammadu Saidu, Alhaji Haruna Abdullahi, Yakubu Adamu, Muhammed Musa, Abubakar Adamu, Shaibu Ibrahim, Saleh Mohammed, Bako Jibrin.
