The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled July 22 to hear a renewed bail plea from Tukur Mamu, the man accused of serving as a middleman in the 2022 Abuja-Kaduna train kidnapping negotiations.
Mamu, through his legal team led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Johnson Usman, is requesting to be released from the Department of State Services’ custody on health grounds. He claims his condition has worsened in detention and that he urgently requires surgery.
The Federal Government is opposing the request, arguing that Mamu could flee the country if granted bail. Prosecuting counsel David Kaswe told the court that the DSS has adequate medical facilities and reminded the court that a previous bail request was already denied. He also highlighted the gravity of the terrorism-related charges against Mamu.
Justice Muhammed Umar adjourned the case to allow both parties present their full arguments.
Mamu was arrested in Cairo, Egypt, on September 6, 2022, while en route to Saudi Arabia for lesser Hajj. Upon his return to Nigeria, he was taken into DSS custody. The government later arraigned him on a 10-count charge for allegedly aiding Boko Haram, receiving ransom payments in foreign and local currencies, and exchanging communications with a known terrorist spokesman.
According to court filings, the DSS retrieved items from Mamu’s Kaduna residence, including cash in various currencies, multiple mobile devices, laptops, firearms cartridges, military uniforms, and ATM cards. The agency alleges these items tie him directly to terrorist funding activities.
Mamu, however, maintains his innocence and has pleaded not guilty. He has also accused the DSS of defying a court order that allowed him access to his personal physician. He claims he was only allowed one medical visit and has been denied further treatment, despite needing surgery.
He requested a transfer to Kuje Correctional Centre, but the court refused due to recent jailbreaks in Nigerian prisons. The judge ruled that Mamu had not proven the DSS was incapable of managing his health needs.
The court will now determine whether his deteriorating condition justifies his temporary release, with the next hearing set for July 22.
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