The Plateau State High Court sitting in Jos has ruled that state high courts have jurisdiction to prosecute suspects charged with terrorism under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Justice Gedeliah Fwomyon gave the ruling on Tuesday while determining a jurisdictional objection filed by four suspects accused of involvement in the deadly attack on Angwan Rukuba in Jos North Local Government Area of the state.
The attack, which occurred on Palm Sunday, reportedly claimed the lives of about 30 people.
The Plateau State Government charged Adamu Alhassan Isa, Isa Umar Ibrahim, Auwalu Abubakar, also known as Auwalu Dogo, Musa Abubakar Ibrahim, popularly known as Yaroro, and Ado Ibrahim, who is said to be at large, in connection with the attack.
During the proceedings, defence lawyers challenged the jurisdiction of the state high court to hear the case.
They argued that the defendants were facing terrorism charges under the federal TPPA and, therefore, could only be tried by a court with jurisdiction under the law.
But Justice Fwomyon dismissed the objection, holding that the TPPA does not expressly prevent state high courts from trying terrorism-related offences.
The judge also held that there is no constitutional provision preventing state Houses of Assembly from legislating on terrorism. According to the court, terrorism is not captured under the exclusive legislative list, meaning both the National Assembly and state Houses of Assembly have the constitutional authority to legislate on the matter.
Justice Fwomyon further ruled that although the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act is a federal legislation, there is no provision in the Act that bars a state high court from adjudicating cases brought under it.
The ruling effectively clears the way for the Plateau State High Court to continue hearing the terrorism case against the accused persons.
Meanwhile, the court rejected an application by the third defendant, Auwalu Abubakar, seeking to be transferred from the custody of the Department of State Services to the Jos University Teaching Hospital for medical treatment.
Justice Fwomyon subsequently adjourned the case to October 15 and 21, 2026, for further proceedings.
(The Whistler)