The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday ordered the remand of four suspected terrorists linked to notorious bandit leader Bello Turji in the Kuje Correctional Centre. The accused face multiple charges of terrorism, including supplying medical assistance, military uniforms, and other materials to terrorist groups operating in northern Nigeria.
Justice Emeka Nwite, presiding over the case, ruled that the accused be held in custody after they pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against them by the Attorney General of the Federation. The charges were read in both English and Hausa, as one defendant, identified as Hashimu, also known as “Doctor,” requested translation, stating he did not understand English.
The defendants Musa Kamarawa, Abubakar Hashimu (aka Doctor), Bashir Abdullahi, Samuel Chinedu, and Lucky Chukwuma are charged alongside three others, including Bello Turji, who remain at large.
The charges, spanning 11 counts, accuse the defendants of conspiring between 2018 and 2022 to provide material support to terrorist groups led by Bello Turji and others. Specific allegations include:
Supplying illicit drugs, including penta injections and cannabis, as well as food items and military and police uniforms.Procuring boots, caps, and building materials such as cement, zinc, nails, and iron rods for terrorist camps in Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kaduna states.Acquiring a military gun truck from Libya in 2021 for N28.5 million and supplying it to a known terrorist, Kachalla Halilu.
The charges fall under Sections 17 and 18 of the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act 2013, with penalties prescribed under the same Act.
While four defendants were present for arraignment, three, including Bello Turji, were declared at large. The court noted the absence of the third defendant, Bashir Abdullahi, who was also later confirmed to be at large. The AGF’s counsel, David Kaswe, apologized for initially omitting this detail and received permission to amend the charges.
Lawyers for the fifth defendant, Chukwuma, requested a short adjournment to file a bail application, which the court agreed to consider once ready.
Justice Nwite adjourned the case to February 10 for trial.
This case is part of a broader crackdown on terrorism and banditry in northern Nigeria. The suspects are accused of aiding violent groups that have destabilized parts of the country, contributing to widespread insecurity. Bello Turji, a central figure in the charges, remains one of Nigeria’s most wanted bandits.
The Federal Government continues to face challenges in curbing terrorism, with cases like this highlighting the complexity of dismantling support networks that sustain such groups.