The trial of suspects linked to the 2025 Yelwata killings was abruptly halted on Tuesday after one of the defendants collapsed during court proceedings.
Gatekeepers News reports that the incident occurred shortly after the accused persons were brought into the courtroom, when the third defendant, identified as Alhaji Haruna Abdullahi, suddenly slumped. Efforts by prison officials to revive him were unsuccessful, as he remained unresponsive for an extended period.
Presiding judge, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, noted that the defendant could not be considered present in court due to his condition, stressing that he had remained in that state for over an hour.
Defence counsel appealed for an adjournment to allow the affected defendant receive urgent medical attention, emphasising the need to prioritise his health. Prosecuting counsel did not oppose the request, and the court subsequently granted the adjournment.
The case was postponed to March 30 for continuation, with the court directing that necessary notices be served on absent defence lawyers.
The nine defendants are standing trial on a 57-count charge bordering on terrorism over their alleged involvement in the Yelwata attack in Benue State, which reportedly claimed about 150 lives. They had earlier pleaded not guilty to the charges.
