A Plateau State High Court was under heavy security on Thursday as the state government formally arraigned suspects linked to the brutal March 2026 attacks in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area.

The proceedings, held amid heightened public interest and grief, saw operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Police Force cordoning off the court premises to prevent any breakdown of law and order.

The defendants identified as Isa Umar Ibrahim, Auwalu Abubakar (also known as Auwalu Dogo), Musa Abubakar Ibrahim (also known as Yaroro), and Adamu Isa Alhassan were brought before Justice Gidelia Fomyong and Justice Jacob Longden in separate courtrooms. The suspects were arrested during a series of DSS operations between April 3 and April 10, following a wave of violence that left over 30 people dead and sparked nationwide outrage.

State Attorney General, Philemon Daffi, who filed the charges, accused the defendants of criminal conspiracy to commit terrorism, culpable homicide, and illegal possession of firearms.

According to the charge sheet, the suspects allegedly “planned, organized, facilitated, and contributed money” to carry out the attack on a popular bar and residential area in Angwan Rukuba on March 28. Adamu Isa Alhassan faced additional charges related to coordinated attacks across Riyom and Jos South local government areas between 2025 and early 2026.

The prosecution noted that the actions of the accused were contrary to Section 269 and punishable under Section 270 of the Penal Code Law of Plateau State, 2017. The court documents further alleged that the group conspired with others who remain at large to execute the “barbaric and cowardly” operation, which targeted defenseless citizens under the cover of night.

This arraignment marks a significant step in the search for justice following President Bola Tinubu’s recent visit to the state, where he vowed that the perpetrators of the Plateau killings would face the full weight of the law.

The court has adjourned the matter for further hearing, while the suspects have been remanded in custody as security agencies intensify efforts to track down the remaining accomplices.