A prosecution witness has told a Plateau State High Court in Jos, Plateau State capital presided over by Danladi Longden on Friday, 19 June, 2026 that one of the suspects standing trial over the Angwa Rukuba killings admitted to leading more than 100 armed men in attacks on communities in the state.
The witness, an operative of the Department of State Services (DSS), testified on Friday, 19 June, 2026 during the accelerated hearing of the case before the presiding judge.
Adamu Alhassan Isa, also known as Shagari Bangai, is among five persons facing charges of criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide, unlawful possession of firearms, and illegal dealing in arms and ammunition.
The suspects are being prosecuted in connection with the Palm Sunday attack on Angwa Rukuba in Jos north LGA, where about 30 people were killed.
The Plateau state government had earlier filed charges against Isa alongside: Isa Umar Ibrahim, Auwalu Abubakar, also known as Auwalu Dogo, Musa Abubakar Ibrahim, popularly called Yaroro, and Ado Ibrahim, who is said to be at large.
According to Zagazola Makama, a counterinsurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, the DSS operative said Isa, admitted in a confessional statement to participating in violent attacks across parts of Plateau state.
The witness told the court that the suspect confessed to leading over 100 armed men in assaults on Vom and several villages in Riyom LGA.
He also said more than N4 million suspected to be linked to terrorism financing was found in the defendant’s bank account at the time of his arrest.
During cross-examination, Mustapha Shaba, counsel to the defendant, requested certified true copies of statements made by the arresting and investigating officers.
Shaba said the defence sought to compare the certified documents with photocopies previously provided by the prosecution.
The judge subsequently adjourned the matter until July 3 for the prosecution to furnish the requested documents and for the continuation of the trial.
