By Israel Adamu, Jos
The Plateau State Police Command on Friday arraigned 20 suspects in connection with the June 20, 2025, mob attack that led to the killing of 12 persons in Mangun, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The suspects appeared before a Plateau State High Court on a four-count charge bordering on criminal conspiracy, causing grievous bodily harm, and culpable homicide—offenses punishable under Sections 59, 313, and 189 of the Plateau State Penal Code Law of 2017.
According to the prosecution, led by Samuel Idowu Ikutanwa, Officer-in-Charge of Legal, Plateau State Police Command, the defendants allegedly conspired and armed themselves with dangerous weapons—including firearms, cutlasses, machetes, and petrol—to carry out the deadly assault.
They were accused of attacking a group of individuals, injuring 21 persons and setting an 18-seater bus ablaze, resulting in the death of 12 people.
All 20 defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Following their plea, the prosecution requested an adjournment to allow for a case management hearing. Defense counsel, Garuba Pwul (SAN), did not oppose the request but filed a motion for bail. However, the application could not be heard as the prosecution had only just received the motion in court.
Justice Boniface Ingyou adjourned the matter to October 13, 2025, for case management hearing. The defendants were remanded at the Jos custodial center pending the next hearing date.
