AGF Takes Over Benue Massacre Case as 26 Suspects Await Trial

The Office of the Attorney General of the Federation has assumed control of the prosecution of suspects linked to the deadly attack in Yelewata, a community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.

The killings, which left several people dead and forced thousands to flee, caused widespread outrage across the country.

After weeks of joint investigations by the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies, 26 suspects were arrested in connection with the massacre. Authorities revealed that the suspects confessed to playing various roles in the brutal assault. However, despite initial expectations that they would be quickly brought before the court, their arraignment has been stalled.

The delay stems from the transfer of the case file to the Ministry of Justice. The file had been forwarded shortly after the arrests, effectively handing over the case to the Attorney General, who is the top legal officer in the country and has the authority to take charge of criminal prosecutions nationwide.

Police sources confirmed that while they had prepared the suspects for court proceedings, the decision to move the case to the AGF’s office shifted responsibility for the next steps. With the Ministry of Justice now in charge, the timeline for arraignment remains unclear.

One police officer, who did not want to be named, explained that the suspects were initially meant to be charged immediately after investigations concluded. However, since the matter is now under the AGF’s control, only the Ministry of Justice can provide further details.

During a press briefing on June 24, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, stated that all 26 suspects were in custody and had voluntarily confessed. He also mentioned that legal proceedings had been concluded, and the suspects would be arraigned without delay. That promise, however, has yet to be fulfilled.

Efforts to get official comments from the Ministry of Justice have so far been unsuccessful. Calls and messages to the Special Assistant to the President on Communication and Publicity in the AGF’s office, Kamarudeen Ogundele, went unanswered. Attempts to reach the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, were also not successful.

The Yelewata killings added to the long list of violent attacks that have plagued parts of Benue State in recent years. Many communities in Guma Local Government Area have been repeatedly targeted by armed groups, leading to loss of lives, destruction of property, and mass displacement.

As families of victims and displaced residents await justice, the delay in prosecution has left many Nigerians anxious. With the AGF now in charge, all eyes are on the Ministry of Justice to ensure that the case moves forward and that those responsible for the killings face the law.