By Ayodele Oluwafemi

The Plateau state high court in Jos has ruled that state high courts have the jurisdiction to try persons for terrorism-related charges under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act (TPPA) 2022.

Gedeliah Fwomyon, the trial judge, ruled on a motion on jurisdiction by four suspects arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) for allegedly partaking in the killings in Angwan Rukuba area of the state.

The suspects are being prosecuted in connection with the Palm Sunday attack on Angwa Rukuba in Jos north LGA, where about 30 people were killed.

The Plateau state government had filed charges against Adamu Alhassan Isa, Isa Umar Ibrahim, Auwalu Abubakar, also known as Auwalu Dogo, Musa Abubakar Ibrahim, popularly called Yaroro, and Ado Ibrahim, who is said to be at large.

During the course of the trial, counsel to the defendants raised an objection and argued that under the TPPA, state courts lacked the jurisdiction to try accused persons.

The counsel argued that since the defendants are being prosecuted for terrorism, the state high court has no jurisdiction to entertain the case.

THE RULING

In his ruling on Tuesday, Fwomyon said TPPA did not forbid state high courts from trying terrorism suspects.

The trial judge said there was nothing in the constitution that barred state assemblies from legislating on terrorism, adding that the issue is not on the exclusive legislative list

The judge said the national and state assemblies can validly legislate on terrorism.

The judge held that although the TPPA is a federal legislation, there is nothing contained in the act prohibiting a state high court from prosecuting matters under the legislation.

The judge, however, rejected a motion by the third defendant — Auwalu Abubakar — for transfer from the custody of the DSS to seek medical attention at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH).

The judge adjourned the case to October 15 and 21, 2026.

Source: TheCable