The Federal High Court in Abuja recently made a significant decision regarding Tukur Mamu, a former terrorist negotiator facing charges related to terrorism financing. Mamu had filed an application seeking to be transferred from the custody of the State Security Service (SSS) to the Kuje Correctional Centre. However, Justice Inyang Ekwo dismissed this application on the grounds of the insecurity of the correctional facility.
The judge highlighted the issue of incessant jailbreaks, which the government had raised in response to Mamu’s request. Mamu did not deny this concern, and the judge considered the government’s position to be credible. In his ruling, Justice Ekwo emphasized that any averment not contested is deemed to be true, and he took into account factors such as the security of the custodial facility, Mamu’s health, and the nature of the charges against him.
The judge ordered that Mamu should remain in the custody of the SSS throughout his trial. However, he affirmed an earlier order allowing Mamu access to his personal physician for medical treatment, subject to the supervision of the SSS medical personnel.
The case against Mamu revolves around allegations of terrorism financing, among other charges. He pleaded not guilty to the counts, and the trial has been ongoing. Mamu’s arrest in September 2022, by Interpol in Cairo, Egypt, on behalf of the Nigerian government, is linked to his alleged association with terrorists involved in an attack on an Abuja-Kaduna-bound train in March 2022.
The judge’s decision underscores the security concerns associated with housing individuals accused of terrorism-related offenses and reflects the ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of both detainees and the wider community amidst security challenges.