Suspect confessed to leading over 100 armed men in attacks on Plateau communities – DSS witness tells court

A Department of State Services (DSS) operative has told a Plateau State High Court that one of the suspects standing trial over the Angwa Rukuba killings confessed to leading more than 100 armed men in attacks on several communities in the state.

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The testimony was given on Friday, June 19, during the ongoing trial before Justice Danladi Longden in Jos. The defendant, Adamu Alhassan Isa, also known as Shagari Bangai, is among five individuals facing charges including 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 Local Government Area, where about 30 people were killed.

According to the prosecution witness, Isa made a confessional statement admitting his involvement in a series of violent attacks across Plateau State. The DSS operative told the court that the defendant confessed to leading more than 100 armed men during attacks on Vom and several communities in Riyom Local Government Area.

The witness also alleged that over N4 million suspected to be linked to terrorism financing was discovered in Isa’s bank account at the time of his arrest. 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 remains at large.

During cross-examination, defence counsel Mustapha Shaba requested certified true copies of statements obtained from the arresting and investigating officers. Shaba told the court that the defence intended to compare the certified documents with photocopies previously provided by the prosecution as part of its case preparation.

Justice Longden subsequently adjourned the matter until July 3 to allow the prosecution provide the requested documents and for the continuation of the trial. The trial is part of efforts by authorities to prosecute those allegedly involved in the deadly Angwa Rukuba attack, one of several violent incidents that have heightened security concerns in Plateau State in recent years.