Proceedings in the ongoing trial over the Yelewata massacre were on Tuesday abruptly halted after one of the defendants, Haruna Abdullahi, collapsed in court, forcing the judge to adjourn the case to allow for urgent medical attention.
The accused persons are standing trial over the deadly attack on Yelewata community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, which reportedly claimed about 150 lives.
The nine defendants are facing 57 terrorism-related charges and have all pleaded not guilty.
The disruption occurred during a trial-within-trial aimed at determining whether the defendants’ confessional statements were obtained voluntarily.
Shortly after the defendants were brought into court, Abdullahi, identified as the third defendant, suddenly slumped and remained unresponsive despite efforts by prison officials to revive him.
The trial judge, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, observed that the defendant could not be considered present in court, having remained unconscious for over an hour.
Defence counsel, Ahmed Mohammad, urged the court to adjourn proceedings to enable his client to receive urgent medical care.
The request was supported by other defence lawyers and was not opposed by the prosecution.
The court subsequently adjourned the matter to March 30 and 31, directing that notices be served on absent defence counsel.
Earlier, a police witness had told the court that the attackers allegedly planned the assault in neighbouring Nasarawa State and were armed with rifles.
Trial over Yelewata massacre adjourns as defendant collapses in court
