Alleged Militia Leader Admitted Leading Over 100 Attackers in Riyom, DSS Tells Court
The Plateau State High Court sitting in Jos has heard allegations that a suspected militia leader, Adamu Alhassan Isa, popularly known as Shagari Bangai, admitted to leading more than 100 armed men in attacks on Vom and several communities in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
A Department of State Services (DSS) officer, who testified as a prosecution witness on Friday, told the court that Alhassan confessed to coordinating multiple violent operations across the state.
The witness appeared before Justice Danladi Longden and outlined what he described as the defendant’s involvement in banditry and terrorism-related activities.
According to the DSS officer, Alhassan, in a confessional statement, admitted leading over 100 militiamen during attacks on communities in Vom and Riyom LGA.
The witness further disclosed that more than N4 million suspected to be linked to terrorism financing was found in the defendant’s bank account when he was arrested.
Alhassan is among four suspects arrested by the DSS in connection with the deadly Angwa Rukuba massacre in Jos North Local Government Area.
The court was told that gunmen attacked Angwa Rukuba on Palm Sunday in 2026, killing about 30 people.
Following the incident, security operatives arrested Alhassan alongside Isa Umar Ibrahim, Auwalu Abubakar, also known as Auwalu Dogo, and Musa Abubakar Ibrahim, popularly called Yaroro.
The Plateau State Government subsequently charged the four suspects and another individual, Ado Ibrahim, who is currently at large, with criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide, illegal possession of firearms, and unlawful dealing in arms and ammunition.
During cross-examination, defence counsel Mustapha Ibrahim Shaba (SAN) requested Certified True Copies (CTCs) of the statements made by the arresting and investigating officers.
He said the defence intended to compare the certified documents with photocopies earlier provided by the prosecution.
Justice Longden adjourned the case until July 3, 2026, to allow the prosecution to furnish the requested certified copies and for the continuation of trial proceedings.
