A Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Yola, has ordered the remand of 16 suspects in prison custody over their alleged involvement in violent clashes between Bachama and Chobo communities in Adamawa State.
The defendants were arraigned before Magistrate M. A. Adamu on charges bordering on criminal conspiracy, inciting public disturbance, unlawful possession of firearms, and acts described as terrorism under relevant sections of the Adamawa State Penal Code (2018).
Those remanded include Naslan Falana, Doranzi Ishaya, Classon Misali, Bulus Misali, Tanamoro Joseph, Jethro Jonah, Silas Bitrus, Maxwell Yohanna, Jackson Williams, Enoch Ibrahim, Abba Danladi, Godwin Alagi, Ajayi Ephraim, Jaspher Solomon, Jasmine Irmiya, and Musa Isreal.
Court records show that the defendants were arrested on April 28, 2026, by soldiers attached to the 23rd Armoured Brigade during routine security operations in affected communities.
Military personnel were reportedly deployed to Tigno Dutse, Dundili, and Laka communities in Lamurde Local Government Area to curb escalating tensions and restore order amid communal clashes.
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According to the first information report presented in court by Inspector Ahmed Abubakar, the defendants allegedly conspired and armed themselves with dane guns, knives, charms, and other dangerous weapons during the unrest.
The prosecution further alleged that the accused engaged in violent acts that led to a breakdown of law and order in the affected communities and reportedly confronted security forces during the operation.
Inspector Abubakar told the court that the suspects engaged troops in an exchange of fire before being overpowered and arrested.
Counsel to the defendants, A. S. Audu, applied for bail on liberal terms, citing constitutional provisions, but the prosecution strongly opposed the application.
The prosecution argued that the charges fall under capital offences and that granting bail could worsen tensions between the affected communities, warning of possible renewed hostilities if the defendants are released.
Magistrate Adamu agreed with the prosecution’s position and ruled that the court would not grant bail at this stage, ordering that all 16 defendants be remanded in prison custody pending further proceedings.
The case has been adjourned as authorities continue efforts to stabilise security in the affected communities and prevent further escalation of violence.
