The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has for the third time denied bail to detained alleged terrorist negotiator, Tukur Mohammed Mamu.
The court cited sufficient diligence by prosecutors and ongoing national security concerns.
Delivering the ruling on Wednesday, Justice Mohammed Umar dismissed Mamu’s renewed bail application but directed the Department of State Services (DSS) to ensure that he receives proper medical care at a health facility of his choice.
The judge acknowledged Mamu’s health complaints but ruled that his condition did not justify release from custody, emphasizing that the DSS must take him “to an appropriate health facility where he would be adequately attended to.”
The presiding judge further noted that bail is typically granted when the prosecution fails to demonstrate diligence, but in this case, the Federal Government’s legal team has been “meticulous and consistent” in handling the proceedings.
“One of the conditions for granting bail is where the prosecution is not diligent,” the judge said.
“Since the prosecution in this case has been diligent, the application for bail cannot be granted.”
The court also directed the DSS to allow Mamu access to members of his family under appropriate supervision.
Wednesday’s ruling marks the third time Mamu’s bail request has been rejected since his arraignment on March 21, 2023, on a 10-count charge of terrorism financing and related offences.
Mamu was arrested on September 7, 2022, at Cairo International Airport by Egyptian security authorities and later handed over to Nigeria’s DSS. He is accused of facilitating ransom negotiations between the families of hostages from the Abuja–Kaduna train attack and members of Boko Haram, allegedly for personal financial gain.
According to court filings, Mamu allegedly collected ransom payments from families, confirmed the amounts, and ensured their delivery to the terrorists. The prosecution claims he was nominated by the kidnappers themselves to act as an intermediary following the March 2022 train attack, which left dozens of passengers abducted.
The court ordered that Mamu be remanded in DSS custody pending further hearings.
