AGF to prosecute 26 suspects over Yelewata massacre

The Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) will lead the prosecution of 26 suspects arrested in connection with the brutal massacre in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.

The attack, which left many dead and forced thousands to flee their homes, triggered widespread condemnation across the country. Following joint investigations by the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies, 26 individuals were apprehended and reportedly confessed to their roles in the deadly assault.

However, despite the confessions, their arraignment in court has been stalled. Sources within the police confirmed that the delay was due to the transfer of the case file to the Ministry of Justice.

“The 26 suspects should have been arraigned in court as stated, but I can’t say what happened. What I know now is that their file is now with the Ministry of Justice. We are not the one that will prosecute the matter; the AGF will. The reason behind such decision, I can’t say,” a police source said under condition of anonymity.

Another source within the Force explained that the matter had moved beyond police jurisdiction. “The case is now with the Ministry of Justice. You can check with them for details on when the suspects will appear in court,” the source advised.

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, had earlier announced during a press briefing on June 24 that the suspects were ready to face justice.

“All 26 suspects are currently in custody and have voluntarily confessed to their individual and collective roles in this attack. As I speak, legal proceedings have been finalised and they will be arraigned in court without delay,” he said.

Efforts to obtain a comment from Kamarudeen Ogundele, the Special Assistant to the President on Communication and Publicity in the Office of the AGF, were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report. The Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, was also unavailable for comments.