The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has once again refused to grant bail to Tukur Mamu, the Kaduna-based publisher and alleged terrorists’ negotiator who is currently in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
In a ruling delivered on Wednesday, Justice Mohammed Umar held that Mamu’s continued detention remained lawful and that the prosecution had demonstrated due diligence in the handling of the case.
“I have carefully read the application for bail filed by the defendant and all accompanying documents. The main question before this court is whether the applicant has provided sufficient material facts to justify the grant of bail,” Justice Umar said.
The court ruled that one of the essential considerations for bail is the lack of diligence on the part of the prosecution. However, in this instance, the Federal Government had been consistent and proactive in prosecuting the case.
“The prosecution has shown diligence in handling this matter. That being so, the application for bail cannot be granted,” the judge added.
DSS Ordered to Provide Medical Treatment
While refusing bail, Justice Umar directed the DSS to ensure that Mamu is given prompt and adequate medical care. He ordered that the defendant’s lawyer should select a hospital of Mamu’s choice for his treatment and that the DSS must facilitate his immediate access to the facility.
This decision marks the third time the court has denied Mamu’s bail request since his arraignment on March 21, 2023, on a 10-count charge bordering on terrorism financing and related offences.
Background of the Case
Tukur Mamu, a former media aide to Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi and publisher of Desert Herald Newspaper, was arrested by Egyptian authorities on September 7, 2022, at the Cairo International Airport while en route to Saudi Arabia. He was later extradited to Nigeria and handed over to the DSS for investigation.
The Federal Government accuses Mamu of exploiting his role as an intermediary during negotiations with terrorists who carried out the March 2022 Abuja–Kaduna train attack, where dozens of passengers were abducted.
According to court filings, Mamu allegedly collected ransom payments from the families of abducted victims under the guise of negotiation but diverted portions of the funds for personal financial gain.
The prosecution further claims that he facilitated ransom delivery and provided logistics support to the terrorists, thereby constituting a terrorism financing network disguised as humanitarian mediation.
Mamu Maintains Innocence
Mamu has pleaded not guilty to all charges, maintaining that his involvement in the negotiations was purely humanitarian and aimed at securing the safe release of hostages. His legal team continues to insist that the DSS is persecuting him based on unfounded allegations.
Despite multiple applications for bail citing health challenges and alleged rights violations, the court has consistently upheld the DSS’s position that Mamu’s detention is necessary pending the conclusion of trial.
With the latest ruling, Tukur Mamu remains in DSS custody, though under court-ordered medical supervision. The case is expected to resume for further hearing in the coming weeks as the Federal Government continues its prosecution on charges of terrorism financing, conspiracy, and money laundering.
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