Court denies terrorism-financing suspect Tukur Mamu’s third bail request

The Federal High Court in Abuja has once again denied bail to detained alleged terrorists’ negotiator, Tukur Mohammed Mamu, marking the third time his request for release has been rejected.

Justice Mohammed Umar, who delivered the ruling on Wednesday, dismissed Mamu’s latest bail application, which was based on claims of ill health.

The judge held that the Department of State Services (DSS) — the agency detaining Mamu — had shown due diligence in handling the case and should continue to keep him in custody.

Justice Umar, however, directed that the DSS should take Mamu to any medical facility of his choice if necessary to address his health concerns.

He also ordered the agency to grant Mamu access to his family members.

The judge explained that one of the major grounds for granting bail is when the prosecution fails to handle a case diligently.

In Mamu’s situation, he said, the DSS had demonstrated commitment and efficiency in prosecuting the case, leaving no reason for the court to grant bail.

This ruling marks the third time the court has turned down Mamu’s bail request since his arraignment on March 21, 2023, by the Federal Government on a 10-count charge bordering on terrorism financing and other related offences.

Mamu was arrested on September 7, 2022, by Egyptian authorities at the Cairo International Airport over alleged links to the Boko Haram terrorist group.

He was later handed over to Nigerian security operatives.

According to the Federal Government, Mamu acted as a middleman between terrorists and families of hostages abducted during the March 28, 2022, Abuja–Kaduna train attack.

He was accused of facilitating ransom negotiations and allegedly collecting and delivering ransom payments to Boko Haram members on behalf of victims’ families.

Despite repeated bail attempts, the court has maintained that the DSS has been diligent and justified in its continued detention of Mamu pending the determination of his trial.