The Plateau State Police Command has begun the prosecution of 22 suspects linked to the gruesome killing of 13 wedding guests who were attacked in Mangun community, Mangu Local Government Area, on June 20.
The victims, mostly from Zaria in Kaduna State, were reportedly travelling in a 32-seater bus to attend a wedding in Kwa village, Qua’anpan LGA. They mistakenly drove into the Mangun market square, where a mob descended on them, killing 13 passengers.
Speaking on Thursday at the Police Command headquarters in Jos, Commissioner of Police Emmanuel Adesina said investigations had been concluded and the suspects were ready to face trial.
The accused were arraigned before Justice Boniface Ngyon at Plateau State High Court 10. The prosecuting counsel, S.I. Ikutanwa, presented a four-count charge and asked the court to allow the suspects to enter their plea.
However, defence lawyer Garba Pwol objected, saying two of the suspects were minors aged 13 and 17, making the charges inappropriate for them under the law. He asked the court for time to file a formal objection.
In response, the prosecution requested that the names of the minors be removed so that the trial could proceed with the remaining 20.
After hearing both sides, Justice Ngyon ruled that plea-taking be delayed until the charges are amended.
“It is safer to delay plea-taking until the prosecution amends the charges,” the judge said, ordering that all 22 suspects remain in police custody. The case was adjourned to Friday, July 11.
The brutal killing shocked many Nigerians and renewed calls for better security and protection for travelers across the country.