Court Adjourns “Terrorist Negotiator” Case After Witnesses No-Show, Defense Raises Detention Concerns

The case was scheduled to proceed before Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja. However, when it was called, the lawyer representing the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), David Kaswe, informed the court of the prosecution’s challenge.

Kaswe explained that while the prosecution still had three more witnesses to call, the next witness, who had been prepared to testify, informed them the previous night that he would not be able to travel to Abuja. Additionally, another witness, who was supposed to provide evidence and tender exhibits, could not appear because the exhibits keeper was unavailable.

“This is the challenge we have, my lord,” Kaswe said while requesting an adjournment.

In response, Johnson Usman, SAN, who appeared for Mamu, expressed disappointment over the situation. While he did not oppose the prosecution’s request for an adjournment, he raised concerns about his client’s treatment in detention.

Usman alleged that Mamu, a Muslim, had not been allowed to observe his prayers since his detention by the Department of State Services (DSS). He further claimed that Mamu’s relatives were being denied access to him despite a court order permitting visitation.

Additionally, the lawyer stated that although the court had ordered Mamu to have access to a doctor of his choice, the DSS had prevented his family from bringing a prescribed BP Digital Kit for his medical care. He noted that, although the security agency had assured them that the device would be provided, it had yet to do so.

Justice Ekwo directed both the prosecution and the defense to collaborate and report back within seven days on steps taken to resolve the concerns raised.

The judge then adjourned the matter to May 6, 7, and 8 for the continuation of the trial.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Federal Government arraigned Mamu on March 21, 2023, for allegedly aiding terrorist operations in the country.

He was charged with a 10-count terrorism-related indictment but pleaded not guilty.

The Kaduna-based Islamic scholar was accused of collecting various sums of money in different currencies from the families of train attack victims on behalf of the Boko Haram terrorist group.

According to the prosecution, investigations revealed that Mamu collected an aggregate sum of $420,000 from families of the victims, along with ₦21 million from another group of victims.

The government further alleged that Mamu concealed funds obtained from his dealings with the terrorist organization at his residence in Kaduna State.

The charges also state that in 2022, Mamu received a ransom payment of ₦500,000 in Kaduna State on behalf of Boko Haram from families of the train attack hostages.

Furthermore, the charge, signed by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), Mr. M.B. Abubakar, alleged that Mamu exchanged voice note communications with Baba Adamu, identified as a Boko Haram spokesperson, regarding acts of terrorism.

The government maintained that Mamu’s actions violated the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022.

Mamu, however, denied all allegations.