FG Re-Arraigns Tukur Mamu On Amended Terrorism Charge

The Federal Government on Monday re-arraigned alleged terrorists’ negotiator, Tukur Mamu, on an amended 17-count charge bordering on terrorism, terrorism financing, money laundering and unlawful possession of firearms.

Naija News reports that Mamu, who was re-arraigned before Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja, pleaded not guilty to all the counts.

He was arrested on September 7, 2022, by Egyptian security officials at the Cairo International Airport and was earlier arraigned on a 10-count charge bordering on terrorism financing.

When the matter came up on Monday, an Assistant Director at the Federal Ministry of Justice, David Kaswe, told the court that an amended charge had been filed and served on the defence.

He said the charge was dated and filed on May 26. Kaswe said the prosecution added more counts based on evidence already before the court.

He urged the court to allow Mamu to take his plea to the amended charge.

Mamu’s counsel, Johnson Usman, SAN, did not oppose the application, after which Justice Umar ordered that the charge be read to the defendant.

In count one of the charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/96/2023, Mamu was alleged to have, sometime around March 28, 2022, in Kaduna, given support to Boko Haram.

The prosecution alleged that he instigated the group to boycott the Chief of Defence Staff committee set up by the Federal Government to negotiate the release of hostages abducted during the Abuja-Kaduna train attack.

The government alleged that the move was intended to enhance his role as negotiator for ransom payments from families of the victims.

In count two, he was accused of undermining and obstructing the CDS committee.

In count three, Mamu was alleged to have received $120,000 ransom on behalf of the terrorist group from families of victims of the train attack.

He was also accused of exchanging voice note communications relating to terrorism with Baba Adamu, described as Boko Haram’s spokesperson.

The prosecution further alleged that Mamu dealt in terrorist funds amounting to $269,200 and ₦25,690,500, allegedly found in his possession.

He was also accused of dealing in terrorist funds in the sums of 1,840 Indian rupees, 1,700 Egyptian pounds and 115 UAE dirham.

Counts 14 and 15 accused Mamu of money laundering involving ₦25,690,500 and $269,200 allegedly found in his possession.

In count 16, the Federal Government accused him of unlawful possession of a Delta Magnum pump-action firearm without a valid licence.

He was also accused of unlawful possession of about 47 cartridges without a valid licence.

The prosecution said the offences were contrary to the Firearms Act and the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act.

After Mamu pleaded not guilty, the prosecution began cross-examining him. Mamu had opened his defence on April 23 after the Federal Government closed its case, having called seven witnesses.

Justice Umar adjourned the matter till June 8 for continuation of cross-examination.