20 arraigned remanded in custody, over killing of 13 travellers in Plateau
By Muhammad Tanko
Twenty suspects linked to the gruesome killing of 13 travellers in Mangun community, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, were on Friday arraigned before the State High Court in Jos as well as remanded in prison custody.
The suspects, including Rabiu Haruna, Julius Abaris, Clement Machel, Gideon Istifanus, Bamkat Dan’doka, Dauda Ezekiel, Lawrence Samaila, Mantu Daniel, Gabriel Sunday, Steven Luka, and Joel Danladi.
Others are Plankat Ayuba, Nanfan Habiba, Frances Augustine, Andy Danladi, Gungret Appolos, Bamshak Letak, Titus Bakwet, Balmun Helon, and Chutse Salvation, all pleaded not guilty to the four-count charge filed against them.
In suit number PLD/J115/2025, the Plateau State Commissioner of Police accused the defendants of criminal conspiracy, mischief by fire and dangerous weapons, and culpable homicide, contrary to Sections 59, 220, 313, and 189 of the Plateau State Penal Code Law of 2017.
“On 20th June 2025, at Mangun in Mangu LGA, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, (defendants) armed themselves with guns, cutlasses, matches, and petrol, without provocation, attacked and set ablaze an 18-seater vehicle, killing 13 occupants.
“Namely: Aminu Samaila, Abdullahi Abdulwahab, Isa Abubakar, Malam Sani, Ibrahim Sani, Ramatu Danladi, Adamu Sani, Ma’awe Habibu, Alhaji Mukhtari Ahmad, Sani Abdullahi, Hamisu Danladi, and Baba Sani Hamisu,” the suit charged.
Following their plea, prosecution counsel Samuel I. Ikutanwa urged the court to adjourn the matter for case management and requested a custodial order to remand the suspects at the Jos Correctional Centre.
Lead defence counsel, Garba Pwul (SAN), did not oppose the remand application but raised a bail application.
However, the prosecution objected, arguing that under the law, they are entitled to seven days to respond, and the court is due for vacation.
Presiding judge, Justice Boniface Ngyong, ruled that the bail application could not be entertained under the current circumstances and advised the defence to approach the vacation judge.
He adjourned the substantive case to 13th August 2025 and ordered the remand of all accused persons at the Jos Correctional Centre.
