Suspect confesses to leading over 100 armed men in Plateau attacks – DSS witness tells court

A Department of State Services (DSS) operative has told a Plateau state high court in Jos that a defendant standing trial over the deadly Angwa Rukuba killings allegedly confessed to leading more than 100 armed men in a series of attacks across communities in the state.

The testimony was given on Friday during an accelerated hearing before Justice Danladi Longden, in a case involving five suspects facing charges including criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide, unlawful possession of firearms, and illegal arms dealing.

The accused person, identified as Adamu Alhassan Isa, also known as Shagari Bangai, is being prosecuted alongside Isa Umar Ibrahim, Auwalu Abubakar (also known as Auwalu Dogo), Musa Abubakar Ibrahim (popularly called Yaroro), and Ado Ibrahim, who is currently at large.

The suspects are linked to the Palm Sunday attack on Angwa Rukuba in Jos North Local Government Area, where about 30 people were reportedly killed.

According to the DSS witness, the defendant admitted in a confessional statement to participating in multiple violent operations across Plateau communities, including attacks in Vom and several villages in Riyom Local Government Area.

The operative further told the court that investigations revealed over ₦4 million allegedly linked to terrorism financing in the suspect’s bank account at the time of his arrest.

During cross-examination, defence counsel Mustapha Shaba requested certified true copies of statements from arresting and investigating officers in order to compare them with documents earlier supplied by the prosecution.

The court granted the request and adjourned the case to July 3 for continuation of trial and submission of the required documents.