A Plateau State High Court has granted bail to 20 suspects linked to the killing of 13 wedding guests in Mangun community, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The tragic incident happened on June 12, 2025, when a 38-seater bus conveying guests from Kaduna State to Qua’an Pan Local Government Area for a wedding mistakenly drove into Mangun. The community, which had previously faced terrorist attacks, mistook the passengers for bandits. The bus was attacked, leaving 13 people dead.

Following the attack, 21 suspects were arrested and charged with offences including:

Criminal conspiracy

Mischief with dangerous weapons

Culpable homicide

Causing grievous harm

The charges, according to the police, contravened sections 59, 220, 313, and 189 of the Plateau State Law 2017.

Initially, 20 of the suspects were remanded at the Jos Correctional Centre. However, during Wednesday’s hearing, Justice Nafisa Lawal Musa granted them bail after considering a motion filed by their defence counsel, Garba Pwul (SAN) and I.S. Ikutanwa.

The defence team had earlier requested bail before another judge, Justice Boniface Ngyong, but the case could not be concluded as the court went on recess.

In their motion, the defence lawyers urged the court to either discharge the suspects or release them on bail pending the continuation of proceedings. Justice Musa agreed to the second request and granted bail to the 20 accused persons.

The matter has now been adjourned to October 13, 2025, for further hearing.