DSS Witness Tells Court Suspect Confessed to Leading Over 100 Armed Men in Plateau Attacks
A Department of State Services (DSS) operative has told a Plateau State High Court that a suspect standing trial over the deadly Angwa Rukuba killings allegedly confessed to leading more than 100 armed men in coordinated attacks on several communities across Plateau State.
The testimony was presented on Friday, June 19, during an ongoing trial before Justice Danladi Longden at the Plateau State High Court sitting in Jos.
Suspect Allegedly Led Armed Groups in Plateau Attacks
The defendant, identified as Adamu Alhassan Isa, also known as Shagari Bangai, is among five individuals facing serious criminal 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 approximately 30 people were reportedly killed in a violent assault that shocked the state and raised widespread security concerns.
According to the DSS witness, Isa allegedly made a confessional statement admitting involvement in multiple violent operations across different communities in Plateau State.
The operative told the court that the defendant confessed to leading more than 100 armed men during coordinated attacks on Vom and several communities in Riyom Local Government Area.
Allegations of Terrorism Financing and Bank Records
The prosecution further informed the court that financial investigations uncovered over ₦4 million in the defendant’s bank account, which is suspected to be linked to terrorism financing activities.
Authorities say the financial trail is part of ongoing efforts to identify funding sources behind repeated violent attacks in Plateau communities.
The DSS testimony suggested that intelligence gathered during the investigation linked the suspect to broader networks involved in organizing and executing coordinated assaults across rural settlements.
Other Defendants Facing Trial
Plateau State Government has also filed charges against four additional defendants in connection with the case.
The accused persons include:
- Isa Umar Ibrahim
- Auwalu Abubakar (also known as Auwalu Dogo)
- Musa Abubakar Ibrahim (popularly called Yaroro)
- Ado Ibrahim (currently at large)
All defendants are facing prosecution for alleged involvement in the Angwa Rukuba massacre and related violent incidents across Plateau State.
Defence Challenges Prosecution Evidence
During cross-examination, defence counsel Mustapha Shaba raised concerns regarding the evidence presented by the prosecution.
The defence counsel requested certified true copies of statements obtained from both arresting and investigating officers, stating that these documents were necessary for proper comparison with photocopies already provided by the prosecution.
According to the defence team, access to certified documents is essential to verify the authenticity of statements and ensure a fair trial process.
Court Adjourns Trial to July 3
Following the submissions from both parties, Justice Danladi Longden adjourned the matter until July 3.
The adjournment is intended to allow the prosecution to provide the requested certified documents and enable continuation of the trial proceedings.
Court officials confirmed that the case remains part of ongoing efforts by authorities to prosecute individuals allegedly involved in the Angwa Rukuba attack, one of the most serious security incidents in Plateau State in recent years.
Rising Security Concerns in Plateau State
The Angwa Rukuba killings and related attacks have intensified security concerns across Plateau State, prompting calls for stronger counter-terrorism measures and improved intelligence coordination.
Authorities continue to investigate networks allegedly responsible for orchestrating repeated violent attacks on rural communities, while residents await further updates as the trial progresses.
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.
