By Our Correspondent
National News – The Federal High Court in Abuja has admitted an AK-47 rifle and several naira notes as evidence in the ongoing trial of nine suspects accused of the June 13, 2025, attack on Yelwata village in Guma Local Government Area, Benue State.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik approved the firearm as Exhibit A, following identification by Moses Paul, a senior officer of the Nigeria Police Force Intelligence Response Unit.
Accompanying naira notes were admitted as Exhibits C1 to C5, and a ballistic report confirming the weapon’s use was admitted as Exhibit B.
The suspects, including Ardo Lawal Mohammed Dono, Ardo Muhammadu Saidu, and Alhaji Haruna Abdullahi, are facing 57 terrorism-related charges for the attack, which reportedly killed over 150 residents.
During the trial, Paul testified that police investigations linked the violence to the enforcement of Benue State’s anti-grazing law.
He explained that some defendants allegedly sought revenge after their cattle and children were killed, resulting in the purchase of an AK-47 and funding for a coordinated assault on Yelwata and surrounding communities.
Paul further stated that meetings held by the suspects in Nasarawa State, led by Dono, organized the attack, with financial contributions from Abdullahi and Musa Mohammed.
Abdullahi allegedly led the raid, while Saidu and five of his children participated, with the rifle recovered from Saidu being functional and containing naira notes, believed by the attackers to “answer” when placed in the weapon.
Defence lawyers objected to the admissibility of some evidence, including the ballistic report and statements allegedly obtained under duress.
Justice Abdulmalik ordered a trial-within-trial to determine the statements’ validity and adjourned proceedings to March 13.
The attack left more than 3,000 people displaced and drew national condemnation, highlighting ongoing security challenges in Benue State.
The Yelwata massacre trial underscores the Nigerian government’s efforts to prosecute terrorism and reinforce rural security.
Analysts note that transparent judicial processes and proper handling of evidence, including firearms and financial records, are critical for justice and deterrence.
