Yola — The Chief Magistrate Court I sitting in Yola, Adamawa State, on Thursday ordered the remand of two men in prison custody over alleged multiple offences, including terrorism and possession of dangerous weapons.
The court, presided over by Magistrate Kabiru Musa, remanded the defendants, Joshua William and Ezekiel Luka, both residents of Lafiya Lamurde and Numan Local Government Areas respectively.
The defendants were arraigned before the court by the Commissioner of Police, Adamawa State Police Command, on charges bordering on criminal conspiracy, being in possession of dangerous weapons, terrorism, inciting disturbance, and culpable homicide. Both pleaded not guilty to all the allegations levelled against them by the prosecution. 
According to the First Information Report (FIR) tendered before the court, the defendants were arrested on January 4, 2026, by Operation Farauta, a joint patrol team attached to Tingno in Lamurde Local Government Area. They were subsequently handed over to the Adamawa State Police Command for further investigation.
The FIR further alleged that the defendants, who are residents of Tingno and Nzomusu in Lamurde and Numan Local Government Areas respectively, were apprehended in possession of one AK-47 magazine loaded with 29 rounds of live ammunition. They are accused of terrorising communities in the area.
Addressing the court, the Prosecutor, ASP Zakka Musa, told the magistrate that the offences are capital in nature and applied that the matter be adjourned to enable the prosecution transmit the case diary to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for legal advice.
On their part, counsels to the defendants, U. S. Mohammed and D. K. Rigange, applied for the bail of their clients.
The court adjourned the case to January 15, 2026, for ruling on the bail application filed by the defence counsels and remanded the defendants in prison custody until then.
The arrests come amid ongoing security concerns in parts of Adamawa State, where various security agencies have intensified operations against criminal elements and those in illegal possession of firearms. Operation Farauta, a joint security task force, has been actively conducting patrols and raids in communities to restore peace and security in affected areas.
Legal experts say the nature of the charges, particularly terrorism and culpable homicide, makes it unlikely that bail will be granted easily, as such offences are considered grave under Nigerian law. The court’s decision on the bail application is expected to provide clarity on the legal direction of the case.
The defendants remain in custody at the correctional facility pending the court’s ruling on their bail application and further legal proceedings.
