How Court Granted Bail to 20 Suspects Accused of Killing 13 Wedding Guests

The Plateau State High Court sitting in Jos has granted bail to 20 individuals accused of involvement in the gruesome killing of 13 wedding guests in Mangun community, Mangu Local Government Area of the state.

Justice Nafisa Lawal Musa, the vacation judge, granted the bail on Thursday after listening to a motion filed by defence counsel, Garba Pwul (SAN), and I.S. Ikutanwa, according to Daily Trust.

The victims were reportedly attacked on June 12, 2025, while travelling to Qua’an Pan Local Government Area to attend a family wedding. The police had arraigned the defendants in Suit No. PLD/115CR/2025 on four counts, including criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide, mischief with dangerous weapons, and causing grievous harm. The charges, authorities said, contravened Sections 59, 220, 313, and 189 of the Plateau State Law of 2017.

Counsel for the accused persons had earlier in July sought bail before Justice Boniface Ngyong but could not secure it as the court was about to commence its recess. Justice Ngyong had advised that the application be brought before a vacation judge and adjourned the matter to October 13, 2025.

A court order dated August 14, 2025, signed by Justice Musa, confirmed that a motion on notice was filed on August 11 by the defence team. The motion urged the court to consider the legal advice issued by the Director of Public Prosecution in the office of the Plateau State Attorney-General, asking that the applicants be discharged unconditionally or, alternatively, released pending further proceedings.

After hearing the application, Justice Musa granted the bail request, emphasising that the ruling was made in the spirit of transparency and without undermining the jurisdiction of High Court 10, which had earlier taken cognizance of the charges and adjourned the case to October 13, 2025.