“State High Courts Have Jurisdiction To Try Terrorism Cases Under TPPA” — Plateau High Court

A Plateau State High Court sitting in Jos has ruled that State High Courts have jurisdiction to try persons facing terrorism-related charges under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

Justice Gedaliah Fwomyon gave the ruling on Tuesday while determining a preliminary objection filed by defendants standing trial over their alleged involvement in the Palm Sunday attack on Angwan Rukuba in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, where about 30 people were reportedly killed.

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

The suspects were arrested by the State Security Service over their alleged connection with the attack.

During the trial, counsel to the defendants challenged the jurisdiction of the Plateau State High Court, arguing that terrorism-related offences under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act fell outside the jurisdiction of a State High Court.

They consequently urged the court to decline jurisdiction to continue with the proceedings.

Ruling on the objection, Justice Fwomyon held that there was nothing in the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act that prohibited a State High Court from entertaining terrorism-related cases.

The judge further held that terrorism was not an item contained in the Exclusive Legislative List under the Constitution and that both the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly could validly legislate on the subject.

According to the court, although the TPPA is a federal legislation, nothing contained in the Act expressly prevents a State High Court from exercising jurisdiction over matters brought under it.

The court consequently rejected the defendants’ contention that terrorism-related proceedings could not be entertained by a State High Court.

Justice Fwomyon, however, refused a separate application by the third defendant, Auwalu Abubakar, seeking to be transferred from SSS custody to enable him receive medical attention at the Jos University Teaching Hospital.

The court adjourned further proceedings in the case to October 15 and 21, 2026.