Truth Radar Times

June 22, 2026 07:51am

By Zainab Ma’aji Abdul

A Department of State Services (DSS) operative has told a Plateau State High Court that one of the defendants in the Angwa Rukuba killings case admitted to leading over 100 armed men in attacks on several communities across the state.

The testimony was presented on Friday, June 19, during proceedings before Justice Danladi Longden in Jos. The defendant, Adamu Alhassan Isa, popularly known as Shagari Bangai, is one of five suspects facing charges of criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide, unlawful possession of firearms, and illegal trafficking of arms and ammunition. The accused are standing trial over the Palm Sunday attack on Angwa Rukuba in Jos North Local Government Area, where about 30 people lost their lives.

According to the prosecution witness, Isa gave a confessional statement acknowledging his participation in a series of violent attacks in Plateau State. The DSS operative told the court that the defendant admitted to leading more than 100 armed men during attacks on Vom and several communities in Riyom Local Government Area.

The witness further alleged that more than N4 million, suspected to be proceeds linked to terrorism financing, was found in Isa’s bank account when he was arrested. The Plateau State Government had earlier charged Isa alongside Isa Umar Ibrahim, Auwalu Abubakar, also known as Auwalu Dogo, Musa Abubakar Ibrahim, popularly called Yaroro, and Ado Ibrahim, who is currently at large.

During cross-examination, defence counsel Mustapha Shaba requested certified true copies of statements obtained from the arresting and investigating officers. He informed the court that the defence planned to compare the certified documents with photocopies previously supplied by the prosecution in preparation for the case.

Justice Longden subsequently adjourned the proceedings until July 3 to enable the prosecution produce the requested documents and for the trial to continue. The case forms part of ongoing efforts by authorities to prosecute those allegedly involved in the deadly Angwa Rukuba attack, one of several violent incidents that have intensified security concerns in Plateau State in recent years.