A Federal High Court in Kano has ordered the remand of Sani Mamman and Abubakar Umar, both residents of Katsina State, who are suspected of aiding bandits. The decision was handed down by Justice S.M. Shuaibu, who adjourned the case to July 7 and 8 for the commencement of trial.
Details of the Charges
Mamman, a resident of Ruwan Godiya in Faskari Local Government Area, was alleged to have been engaged in March 2025 to convey suspected bandits to a forest in Faskari. This act is contrary to Section 13(a), (b), and (c) of the Terrorism Prevention Act. When the charge was read, Mamman pleaded not guilty, stating that he is not a driver but sells beans from a wheelbarrow. He also mentioned that although he lost his father, his mother is still living in Funtua.
Abubakar Umar, a resident of Rimi Local Government Area of Katsina State, was arrested on December 2, 2024, on suspicion of attempting to transport arms and ammunition to bandits, also in violation of Section 13 of the Terrorism Prevention Act. Umar denied the charge, asserting that he was not the person involved. He told the court that his sources of income before his arrest were farming and selling perishable items.
Legal Representation and Prosecution
The prosecution counsel, Hadiza Adamu Yabani, informed the court that Mamman had been in detention since his arrest in March 2025. The defendants' counsel, H.A. Kalmaten, stated that he took over the case from I.I. Umar after consultation with the defendants.
Justice Shuaibu ordered that both defendants be remanded in a correctional facility within the jurisdiction of the court pending the trial. The case has been adjourned to July 7 and 8 for the commencement of trial.
