Defence counsel to Maiwuya Bagudu Idris, 29, who is standing trial for alleged terrorism, culpable homicide and armed robbery in Benue State, has withdrawn his appearance for the defendant following the refusal of his bail application by the court.
The case, instituted by the Inspector-General of Police, is before the court under Charge No. MKD/2/26.
Mohamed Danjuma, Esq., announced his withdrawal on Wednesday, November 4 shortly after proceedings at the Benue State High Court, Makurdi, disclosing that the defendant had debriefed him after the court rejected his application for bail.
Mr. Danjuma, who initially represented the first and third defendants, told journalists that he had formally withdrawn from representing Idris but would continue appearing for the third defendant.
“I was initially appearing for the first and third defendants. But I have been debriefed by the first defendant and I’m now appearing for only the third defendant,” he said.
The lawyer disclosed that the defence had sought bail on health grounds, attaching a medical report obtained from the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), but the application was unsuccessful.
He said the prosecution had so far called two witnesses, adding that he had discharged his professional responsibility to his client before the decision to terminate their legal relationship.
“I have done my best. We obtained a medical report from the Federal Medical Centre. We attached it based on his health, and it was refused. There is nothing we can do about that,” Danjuma stated.
Presiding judge, Justice John Shishi, subsequently gave Idris an opportunity to engage another lawyer before the next sitting, warning that the court would assign him a counsel if he failed to secure legal representation to prevent unnecessary delays in the trial.
Idris, 29, from Rukubi area of Nasarawa State, was arrested by troops of the Nigerian Army’s Operation Whirl Stroke on December 6, 2025, following reports of attacks on farming communities in Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State.
He is accused of belonging to an armed herders’ militia group allegedly responsible for attacks on residents and farmers in various communities between March and June 2025.
The allegations include the killing of Msugh Iyo along Annune-Anguhar Road on June 6, 2025, the machete attack on Ato Ikpanyar, and the armed robbery of Akwa Kwaghkohol along Aondoana-Naka Road on April 3, 2025, during which he was allegedly dispossessed of N450,000 and a mobile phone after being shot in the mouth.
He was also accused of attacking farmers Avindigh Samuel, Apesuul Paul and Jooji Anaii, inflicting varying degrees of injuries on them.
The charges against him include conspiracy, terrorism, culpable homicide, armed robbery and attempted culpable homicide.
Justice Shishi adjourned the case to December 2, for ruling and continuation of hearing.
