The Plateau State Police Command on Thursday arraigned 22 suspects in connection with the brutal killing of wedding-bound travellers in the Mangun community, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The victims men, women, and children were attacked while traveling from Basawa in Sabon Gari LGA of Kaduna State to Qua in Qua’an Pan LGA of Plateau State for a wedding ceremony.
First News had reported that thirteen people were confirmed dead, with several others injured in the violent ambush.
The suspects were arraigned before the Plateau State High Court on four counts, including conspiracy and culpable homicide. The prosecuting counsel, S.I. Ikutanwa, sought permission for the suspects to take their plea.
However, defence counsel Garba Pwol objected to the application, raising concerns that two of the accused persons were minors aged 13 and 17, and therefore should not be subjected to adult criminal proceedings. He requested time to formally file an objection.
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In response, the prosecuting counsel acknowledged the age issue and urged the court to expunge the names of the two minors so that the remaining 20 suspects could proceed with their plea.
Presiding Judge, Justice Boniface Ngyon, ruled that no plea would be taken on Thursday, noting that it would be more appropriate for the prosecution to amend the charge sheet.
He ordered the suspects to be remanded in police custody and adjourned the case to Friday, July 11, 2025, for the amended plea.