The federal high court in Abuja has adjourned the trial of nine men accused of masterminding the June 13, 2025, Yelwata massacre to March 9, 2026.
The postponement on Wednesday followed a request by counsel representing two of the defendants who said they needed time to familiarize themselves with the charges.
The defendants Ardo Lawal Mohammed Dono, Ardo Muhammadu Saidu, Alhaji Haruna Abdullahi, Yakubu Adamu, Musa Mohammed, Abubakar Adamu, Shaibu Ibrahim, Sale Mohammed, and Bako Jibrin face a 57-count amended terrorism charge under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The charges allege that they planned the attack, recruited fighters, provided financial and logistical support, and coordinated the armed assault that reportedly left around 150 people dead in Yelwata village, Guma Local Government Area, Benue State.
During the proceedings, Y.A. Hassan, representing the eighth and ninth defendants, informed the court that it was his first appearance in the case and that he had not yet reviewed the charges.
Rotimi Oyedepo, the director of public prosecutions did not oppose the adjournment but suggested that the prosecution could present evidence-in-chief while reserving cross-examination for the next date.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik emphasized that the defence counsel should have obtained the necessary documentation from previous lawyers before taking over the case, warning against unnecessary delays in a matter of high public interest.
The accused had all pleaded not guilty during their arraignment and remain in custody at Kuje correctional centre.
The trial was initially scheduled for February 26–27, 2026, but was previously stalled due to gaps in legal representation for some defendants.
