The Federal Government has opposed a renewed bail application filed by Tukur Mamu, who is currently facing terrorism-related charges and is in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
Mamu, a media publisher and alleged intermediary in the 2022 Abuja-Kaduna train kidnapping case, is seeking bail on health grounds. His legal team, led by Johnson Usman, told the court that his health has deteriorated while in custody and that he requires urgent surgical attention.
His counsel also claimed that a previous court directive allowing access to a personal physician had not been fully observed.
The prosecution, however, urged the court to reject the request, arguing that the defendant remains a flight risk and that the DSS has the capacity to manage his health condition. In a counter-affidavit, government lawyer David Kaswe cited the severity of the charges and the earlier denial of bail in April 2023 as reasons for maintaining his detention.
Mamu is being tried on a 10-count under the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022. The government alleges that he acted on behalf of the Boko Haram terrorist group by collecting ransom payments from families of kidnapping victims, including $420,000 and ₦21 million. He is also accused of concealing funds and maintaining contact with a Boko Haram spokesperson.
He was arrested in Cairo on September 6, 2022, while en route to Saudi Arabia, and subsequently repatriated to Nigeria. Authorities allege he was on his way to meet terrorist commanders.
Items recovered from his home and office include foreign and local currencies, multiple electronic devices, a firearm licence, and uniforms of military personnel.
Mamu has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
At Monday’s hearing, Justice Muhammed Umar said the court would take arguments on the bail application before ruling. The matter was adjourned to July 22.
