The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced plans to arraign suspects linked to the Yelwata massacre in Benue State before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday, February 2, 2026, the Attorney General’s office said on Sunday, February 1, 2026.
The move follows a thorough investigation involving multiple security and investigative agencies into the deadly attack that rocked the community last year. In a statement issued by Kamarudeen Ogundele, Media Aide to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, the government confirmed that those arrested and “strongly linked to the killings in Yelwata… will be arraigned tomorrow… to answer for their crimes.” Ogundele said the suspects will appear before Justice Joyce Abdul‑Malik of the Federal High Court in the nation’s capital.
Ogundele described the prosecution as part of the administration’s effort to uphold the rule of law and deter future violence, saying: “The Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice wishes to assure Nigerians that justice will be ensured in the matter to send a strong signal to the enemies of the country, acting under any disguise.” He added that the process came after a “painstaking investigation and collaboration by government agencies.”
The Yelwata massacre occurred in June 2025 when gunmen stormed the town in Guma Local Government Area, leaving scores dead and thousands displaced, according to official and civil society accounts. The forthcoming arraignment marks a significant step in holding those accused of participating in the violence to account and seeks to reinforce government commitments to protecting lives and property across Nigeria.