A Plateau State High Court sitting in Jos has ruled that it has jurisdiction to try suspects accused of terrorism and terrorism-related offences linked to the 2026 Easter attack on Angwa Rukuba community.
Justice Gedeliah Fwomyon delivered the ruling on Tuesday while determining a preliminary objection filed by four of the suspects challenging the court’s jurisdiction.
The Plateau State Government had charged five suspects over the attack, which reportedly claimed more than 30 lives. The suspects were arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) between April 3 and April 10, 2026, and are facing charges including criminal conspiracy and terrorism.
The defence had argued that terrorism offences under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, fall exclusively under the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court.
However, Justice Fwomyon dismissed the objection, ruling that the federal legislation does not expressly prevent state high courts from trying offences created under the Act.
The judge also held that terrorism is not listed under the Exclusive Legislative List and that both the National Assembly and state Houses of Assembly can legislate on terrorism within their respective constitutional powers.
The court consequently dismissed the defendants’ objection, allowing the case to proceed before the Plateau State High Court.
The ruling marks a significant development in the prosecution of those accused of involvement in the deadly Easter attack and clears the way for further proceedings in the case.
Leave a comment