Yelwata Killings Trial Halted as Defendant Collapses in Court, Proceedings Adjourned
The high-profile trial of nine suspects connected to the devastating 2025 Yelwata killings was abruptly halted on Tuesday after one of the defendants collapsed in the courtroom, causing significant disruption to the legal proceedings. The defendants, facing a 57-count charge related to terrorism, include Ardo Lawal Mohammed Dono, Ardo Muhammadu Saidu, Alhaji Haruna Abdullahi, Yakubu Adamu, Musa Mohammed, Abubakar Adamu, Shaibu Ibrahim, Sale Mohammed, and Bako Jibrin.
Courtroom Collapse Leads to Immediate Adjournment
The incident occurred shortly after the trial commenced around 10 a.m., when Alhaji Haruna Abdullahi, the third defendant, suddenly slumped in the courtroom. Prison officials quickly intervened, attempting to revive him and returning him to his seat, but he remained unresponsive for an extended period. When the case was called later, the presiding judge, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, ruled that Abdullahi could not be considered present in court due to his condition, stating, "You can’t say he is present," and noting that he had been in that state for over an hour.
Legal and Humanitarian Appeals for Medical Attention
The Director of Public Prosecutions, Rotimi Oyedepo, informed the court that prison authorities had confirmed the defendant was in stable condition before arriving in court. However, defense counsel Ahmed Muhammad, representing the third defendant, urgently requested an adjournment to allow for immediate medical treatment, emphasizing, "The third defendant came in by himself, but unfortunately, he collapsed. We humbly request that he be taken to a medical facility for treatment." Another defense counsel, Ibrahim Angulu, supported this appeal on humanitarian grounds, highlighting the defendant's need for urgent medical attention.
Court Grants Adjournment and Sets New Date
In response to these appeals, Oyedepo applied for an adjournment to enable prison officials to attend to the defendant, a request that Justice Abdulmalik granted. The judge adjourned the matter to March 30 for the continuation of proceedings and directed that hearing notices be served on any absent defense counsel. This development underscores the complexities and challenges in high-stakes terrorism trials, where defendant health issues can impact judicial timelines.
Background of the Yelwata Killings Case
The defendants were arraigned on February 2 over the brutal attack on the Yelwata community in Benue State, which resulted in approximately 150 fatalities. All nine suspects have pleaded not guilty to the terrorism charges, setting the stage for a protracted legal battle. The adjournment due to the defendant's collapse adds another layer to this sensitive case, which has drawn significant public and media attention for its severe implications on security and justice in Nigeria.
