A Plateau State High Court in Jos has scheduled July 1 and 2, 2026, for the main trial of five suspects accused in the Angwan Rukuba killings.
The deadly attack happened on Easter Sunday night in Jos North Local Government Area. Multiple residents lost their lives in the violence.
Five men were arrested following the incident. They now face multiple serious charges including terrorism and criminal conspiracy.
Authorities also accuse them of culpable homicide, illegal firearms possession, and unlawful arms trafficking. All charges were filed by the Plateau State Government.
On Friday, the court held a Case Management Conference ahead of substantive proceedings. This hearing focused on pre-trial procedures and document exchanges.
All five defendants pleaded not guilty to every charge against them. The prosecution team, led by Attorney General Philemon Dafi, told the court it had completed all required filings.
Dafi urged Justice Gidelia Fomyon to adopt the prosecution's submissions and issue her report. He cited standard criminal case management procedures in his request.
Defence counsel also confirmed they'd complied with court orders. They'd prepared their responses and filed them appropriately, they said.
The defence lawyers added their clients were prepared to mount their defence during trial. They'd be ready when proceedings commence, they assured the court.
Justice Fomyon ruled that case management had concluded properly under the law. She adjourned the matter to May 26, 2026, for her case management report.
Definite hearing dates were then set for July 1 and 2, 2026. Witnesses are expected to appear during those sessions.
