Proceedings at the High Court in Jos have taken a new turn as a DSS witness presented testimony linking a defendant in the Angwa Rukuba killings case to alleged coordinated armed operations across communities in Riyom Local Government Area. The allegations were presented during cross-examination in the ongoing trial over the 2026 Palm Sunday attack in Angwa Rukuba.

A High Court sitting in Jos has heard detailed testimony from a Department of State Services (DSS) operative in the ongoing trial connected to the Angwa Rukuba killings case.

The defendant, Adamu Alhassan Isa, also known as “Shagari Bangai,” is among four individuals standing trial over the 2026 Palm Sunday attack in Angwa Rukuba, which reportedly left about 30 people dead following an armed invasion.

According to the prosecution witness, a confessional statement allegedly attributed to the defendant indicates he led more than 100 armed men in coordinated attacks targeting Vom and surrounding communities in Riyom Local Government Area.

The DSS also told the court that financial records allegedly linked to the defendant showed over ₦4 million traced in a bank account, which investigators suspect may be connected to illicit funding activities. The court, however, has not made any determination on the validity of these claims.

The defendant is standing trial alongside Isa Umar Ibrahim, Auwalu Abubakar (Auwalu Dogo), and Musa Abubakar Ibrahim (Yaroro). Another suspect, Ado Ibrahim, is reportedly still at large. The charges include criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide, illegal possession of firearms, and unlawful dealing in arms and ammunition.

Under cross-examination, defence counsel Mustapha Ibrahim Shaba, SAN, requested Certified True Copies (CTCs) of statements from both arresting and investigating officers, arguing that they are necessary to verify discrepancies between original and photocopied documents already submitted.

Presiding judge Justice Danladi Longden adjourned the matter to July 3, 2026, to allow the prosecution present the requested documents and continue hearing.