AGF Takes Over Yelewata Massacre Case, Delays Trial of 26 Suspects
The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) has officially taken over the case of 26 people arrested over the recent killings in Yelewata, Guma LGA, Benue State.
These suspects were arrested by the police and other security agents. They reportedly confessed to being part of the attack that killed several people and forced thousands to flee their homes.
The case has now been moved from the police to the Ministry of Justice, which is delaying their court trial. A police officer, who didn’t want to be named, confirmed this and said, “We are no longer handling the case; the Ministry of Justice is now in charge.”
This transfer is legal under the powers of the AGF, but many are worried about the delay. The exact reason the AGF took over the case is still unknown.
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, had earlier said that the suspects were in custody and ready to face trial. “All 26 suspects have confessed, and we have completed preparations to take them to court,” he said during a press briefing on June 24.
Attempts to get comments from officials in the AGF’s office and the police spokesperson were not successful.
Meanwhile, many Nigerians and international observers are calling for quick justice for the victims of the Yelewata attack.
