Court denies bail to terrorist kingpin Bello Turji’s allies

The Federal High Court (FHC), sitting in Abuja, has dismissed the bail applications by four suspects with alleged links to notorious bandit leader Bello Turji.

The suspects, Musa Kamarawa, Abubakar Hashimu (a.k.a. Doctor), Samuel Chinedu, and Lucky Chukwuma are among eight individuals charged with terrorism-related offences.

Four other suspects, including Bello Turji, are reportedly on-the-run for crimes against the Nigerian state.

In a ruling on Friday, Justice Emeka Nwite upheld the arguments of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) that granting bail to the defendants would pose a significant threat to national security.

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The judge explained that while bail was at the discretion of the Court, it must be granted judiciously and with consideration for the severity of the charges.

Also, the court also granted an ex-parte motion filed by the prosecution, seeking protection for witnesses as the trial proceeds.

The charges filed by the AGF’s office indicated that the suspects allegedly conspired to provide material support to terrorist groups led by Turji and other notorious bandits between 2018 and 2022.

According to the prosecution, the suspects had been supplying illicit drugs, military and police uniforms, and building materials to terrorist camps across Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kaduna states.

Furthermore, it was alleged that some of the accused persons facilitated the purchase of a military gun truck from Libya for N28.5 million.

Recall that following their arraignment on December 23, 2024, Justice Nwite had ordered that the four suspects be remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre.

However, despite pleas of innocence, the court denied their bail applications, citing the strength of the evidence against them and the risk of them absconding or interfering with the case.

Meanwhile, the court has agreed to proceed with the trial on an accelerated hearing.