Angwa Rukuba Massacre: Plateau High Court Rules State Courts Can Try Terrorism Cases

The Plateau State High Court sitting in Jos has ruled that state High Courts have jurisdiction to hear terrorism and terrorism-related cases under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act (TPPA) 2022.

The ruling, delivered on Tuesday by Justice Gedeliah Fwomyon, could have wider implications for terrorism prosecutions in Nigeria, particularly over the jurisdiction of State High Courts to handle offences covered by federal terrorism legislation.

The case involves four suspects arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) over their alleged involvement in the Angwa Rukuba killings in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The defendants had challenged the jurisdiction of the Plateau State High Court to hear the case, arguing that terrorism offences under the TPPA fell outside the jurisdiction of a state court.

Justice Fwomyon rejected the objection.

In his ruling, the judge held that although the TPPA is federal legislation, its provisions do not expressly prevent State High Courts from trying terrorism-related offences.

The court also held that there was nothing in the Nigerian Constitution preventing State Houses of Assembly from legislating on terrorism, noting that the subject is not contained in the exclusive legislative list.

The judge further ruled that provisions of the Plateau State Penal Code were not inconsistent with the federal terrorism legislation.

The decision means that, subject to any appeal or further judicial interpretation, state courts can prosecute terrorism-related offences where the applicable laws confer jurisdiction.

Earlier reports on the case show that the defendants had remained in DSS custody while the jurisdictional dispute was being determined.

The suspects named in the proceedings are Isa Umar Ibrahim, Adamu Isa Alhassan, Auwalu Abubakar, also known as Auwalu Dogo, and Musa Abubakar Ibrahim, also known as Yaroro.

The Plateau State Government had brought charges against the men following their arrests by the DSS.

Earlier court reports said the suspects were charged in connection with the Angwa Rukuba killings alongside another suspect, Ado Ibrahim, who was reported to be at large. The charges include criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide, illegal possession of firearms and unlawful dealing in arms and ammunition.

The Angwa Rukuba attack, which occurred during the 2026 Easter period, left about 30 people dead, according to earlier reports on the case.

The court also dismissed an application by the third defendant, Auwalu Abubakar, seeking an order allowing him to leave DSS custody for medical treatment at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH).

Justice Fwomyon held that medical examinations conducted after the suspects’ arrest had found them fit for detention.

The judge further noted that the defendant had failed to place the medical report supporting his request before the court.

The application was therefore dismissed for failing to establish sufficient factual grounds for the requested relief.

With the jurisdictional challenge dismissed, the case is set to continue before the Plateau State High Court.

Justice Fwomyon adjourned further proceedings to October 15 and October 21, 2026.

The ruling represents a significant development in the prosecution of the suspects and could provide further judicial guidance on the respective roles of federal and state courts in terrorism-related prosecutions in Nigeria.