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From Jude Owuamanam, Jos
Justice Gedaliah Fwomyon of the Jos High Court has granted leave to four persons standing trial over the killings in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area, to call five witnesses each in their defence.
The suspects, Isa Umar Ibrahim, Auwalu Abubakar, also known as Auwalu Dogo, and Musa Abubakar Ibrahim, are facing trial alongside one Ado Ibrahim, who is currently at large, for their alleged roles in the attack.
They were arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) following the deadly Palm Sunday attack on Angwan Rukuba community of Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, which claimed over 30 lives.
The suspects are standing trial for criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide, illegal possession of firearms, and unlawful dealing in arms and ammunition.
When they appeared in court on Tuesday, Fwomyon granted the defendants’ request to call five witnesses each in their defence.
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He also reiterated his commitment to ensuring an accelerated hearing of the case, stating that two days would be dedicated to hearing the testimonies of each defendant’s witnesses.
The trial judge further held that the prosecution had sufficiently responded to issues raised in the case management information sheet and would rely on the statements of evidence already before the court.
He further ruled that the defendants would be allowed to make use of interpreters, either provided by themselves or the court, and could challenge the admissibility of their statements as well as call expert witnesses where necessary.
The presiding judge warned that no party would be allowed to introduce fresh interlocutory applications, except those already filed and adopted, adding, however, that such requests would only be granted in exceptional circumstances.
While ordering that the defendants remain in the custody of the DSS, the judge adjourned the case to July 1 and 2, 2026, for hearing of the substantive case.
However, he said that the hearing is subject to the defendants not filing any challenge to the jurisdiction of the court.
