The arraignment of four suspects linked to the deadly attack in the Angwa Rukuba community, Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, was stalled on Thursday due to the absence of defence counsel.

The suspects appeared before Court 12 of the Plateau State High Court in Jos but could not take their plea as they requested an adjournment to enable them to contact their lawyers.

The case is connected to the March 2026 attacks that left about 30 people dead, including children, following violent invasions of communities in Bokkos and Bassa Local Government Areas.

According to court records, the Plateau State Government filed charges against the suspects after they were arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) between April 3 and April 10, 2026.

They are facing charges including criminal conspiracy to commit terrorism and related offences.

The accused persons include Isa Umar Ibrahim, Auwalu Abubakar (also known as Auwalu Dogo), Musa Abubakar Ibrahim (also known as Yaroro), and another defendant still identified in court proceedings.

The charge, filed by the State Attorney General, Philemon Daffi, alleges that the defendants planned, organised, and supported the attack financially, which led to the mass killing in Angwan Rukuba.

It states that their actions are punishable under Sections 269 and 270 of the Penal Code Law of Plateau State, 2017.

Following the incident, Governor Caleb Mutfwang described the violence as a serious attempt to destabilise the state, insisting that it goes beyond ordinary communal conflict.

He also called for international attention, describing the killings as “genocide” and promising that justice would be served.

President Bola Tinubu, who visited the state earlier, met with victims of the attack and assured them that ongoing efforts would help restore peace and bring perpetrators to justice.

The court has adjourned the case to a later date to allow proper legal representation for the defendants.