The Plateau State Government has opposed a court application filed by one of the defendants standing trial over the deadly Angwa Rukuba attack, seeking permission to receive medical treatment at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH).
The objection was raised during proceedings at the Plateau State High Court in Jos on Thursday, where the terrorism case involving four suspects resumed before Justice Gedeliah Fwomyon.
Counsel representing the third defendant, M.I. Salihu, requested that the court direct the prosecution to allow his client access to medical care at JUTH. According to the defence, the defendant requires medical attention while the trial continues.
However, the state government rejected the request. Leading the prosecution, Plateau State Director of Civil Litigation, Sabo Longji, argued that the application lacked merit and was intended to slow down the ongoing proceedings.
In a counter-affidavit presented before the court, the prosecution maintained that granting the request could undermine efforts to ensure a speedy trial. Longji urged the court to dismiss the application, stressing that justice should remain a priority for the victims and families affected by the attack.
The prosecution further contended that the defence was employing tactics aimed at delaying the accelerated hearing of the terrorism case.
After listening to arguments from both sides, Justice Fwomyon declined to issue an immediate decision. He described the matter as contentious and reserved ruling on the application for a later date.
The judge instructed counsel involved in the case to provide their contact details so that the court could communicate the date fixed for the ruling. The matter was subsequently adjourned until July 15, 2026.
The defendants are being prosecuted over their alleged involvement in the Palm Sunday attack on Angwa Rukuba, located in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State. The incident reportedly claimed the lives of about 30 people and sparked widespread concern across the state.
Investigations by the Department of State Services (DSS) led to the arrest of Adamu Isa Alhassan, Isa Umar Ibrahim, Auwalu Abubakar, popularly known as Auwalu Dogo, and Musa Abubakar Ibrahim, also known as Yaroro.
The Plateau State Government later filed terrorism-related charges against the four suspects and included another defendant, Ado Ibrahim, who remains at large and is yet to be apprehended by security agencies.
The case continues as the court prepares to rule on the medical treatment application while substantive hearings on the terrorism charges proceed.
Plateau Government Challenges Suspect’s Request for Hospital Treatment in Angwa Rukuba Terrorism Trial
