The Federal High Court in Abuja has made a significant decision, allowing the Federal Government to proceed with a major terrorism prosecution. Justice Emeka Nwite has granted an application to reopen charges against five individuals allegedly connected to the notorious terrorist leader, Bello Turji.
Case Reinstated After Dismissal
This development comes after the same court had earlier struck out the case. On July 8, 2024, the charge was dismissed due to the prosecution's failure to diligently pursue the matter. The defence counsel had successfully argued for the dismissal at that time.
However, the government, represented by the Attorney-General of the Federation, returned to court with a fresh motion. Counsel David Kaswe argued that the prosecution was entitled to more adjournments under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act and had not exhausted the allotted time before the case was struck out. He assured the court that the prosecution was fully prepared with all witnesses and exhibits.
Serious Allegations of Support to Terrorism
The original charges, filed on December 16, 2024, are extensive and grave. The Federal Government initially brought 11 terrorism-related counts against eight defendants. While Bello Turji himself remains at large, five other named suspects have been in custody.
The accused individuals are Musa Muhammed Kamarawa, Abubakar Hashimu (alias Doctor), Bashir Abdullahi, Samuel Chinedu, and Lucky Chukwuma. Three others—Turji, Aminu Muhammad, and Sani Lawal—are also wanted but have not been apprehended.
Prosecutors allege the suspects provided crucial material support to terrorist groups led by Turji and other bandit leaders. The list of alleged supplies is alarming and includes:
- Illicit drugs such as penta injections and cannabis.
- Food supplies and various building materials like cement, zinc, and iron rods.
- Military and police uniforms, camouflage gear, boots, and caps.
These items were allegedly delivered to terrorist camps located in forests across Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kaduna states.
Specific Counts and the Path Forward
Among the most serious allegations is one count stating that some defendants facilitated terrorism in 2021 by acquiring a military gun truck from Libya. They allegedly supplied it to a known terrorist for approximately ₦28.5 million, knowing it would be used to carry out violent attacks.
Another count accuses some of providing medical treatment, shelter, and care to Bello Turji after he sustained gunshot wounds during an attack on a Zamfara community.
Four of the suspects—Kamarawa, Hashimu, Chinedu, and Chukwuma—were arraigned on December 23, 2024. They all pleaded not guilty and were remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre. Their bail applications were later denied by the court.
The trial had initially progressed, with the court granting a witness protection order and hearing from the first prosecution witness, identified only as “ABC” for security. However, proceedings stalled in May due to the absence of the lead prosecutor, leading to the eventual dismissal in July.
During the hearing to reinstate the case, lawyers for the first and second defendants did not oppose the application but requested the court to award ₦10 million in costs against the prosecution, citing the lengthy detention of their clients. Justice Nwite declined to award any costs.
In his ruling, the judge held that the government's application was meritorious and unopposed. He stated that the interest of justice required the case to be relisted. Consequently, the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/633/2024 has been restored to the court's cause list.
Justice Nwite has adjourned the case until January 21, 2026, for the hearing to commence. The prosecution has reiterated that the matter is of high importance, involving terrorism with international dimensions that directly impacts public safety and national security.
