FG Opposes New Bail Application By Alleged Terrorist Negotiator, Tukur Mamu

The Federal Government on Monday opposed a new bail application filed by alleged terrorist negotiator, Tukur Mamu.

Tukur Mamu, the alleged negotiator in the Abuja-Kaduna train kidnapping case, is currently in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) and is asking to be released on medical grounds.

He is currently facing a 10-count charge related to terrorism.

Through his lawyer, Johnson Usman, Mamu told the court that he needs urgent medical treatment and should be granted bail to access proper care.

Mamu was arrested on September 6, 2022, in Cairo, Egypt, while on his way to Saudi Arabia, and was later brought back to Nigeria.

The DSS claimed he was heading to meet with senior terrorist leaders, accusing him of using his journalism work as a cover for his dealings.

He was first arraigned in March 2023, with allegations including collecting ransom money from families of kidnapped train passengers on behalf of Boko Haram.

The government said he received over $420,000 and ₦21 million in total, and that the money was hidden in his home in Kaduna. It was also alleged that he received ₦500,000 in 2022 from one of the families.

Prosecutors said he communicated directly with a Boko Haram spokesperson and claimed his actions violated Nigeria’s Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act of 2022.

A search of Mamu’s home and office reportedly turned up foreign currency, pump-action cartridges, multiple phones, laptops, cheque books, and even military uniforms.

Tukur Mamu has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

In April 2023, the court rejected his earlier bail request and his plea to be moved from DSS custody to Kuje prison, citing concerns over security and jailbreaks.

His legal team returned to court, arguing that his health has worsened and that he urgently needs surgery. They claimed a court order allowing him to see his personal doctor was not fully followed.

But the government stood firm, saying Mamu is a flight risk and that the DSS has the medical facilities to manage his condition. Prosecutors also emphasized the seriousness of the charges against him.

Justice Muhammed Umar adjourned the hearing and scheduled arguments on the bail application for July 22.

KanyiDaily had reported how the Egyptian authorities repatriated Tukur Mamu back to Nigeria before he was arrested by DSS operatives at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano.