Court cites DSS diligence as It denies bail to alleged terrorism financier Tukur Mamu

A Federal High Court in Abuja has, for the third time, denied bail to Tukur Mamu, an alleged intermediary for Boko Haram, with the judge citing the Department of State Services’ (DSS) diligent prosecution and adequate handling of his medical needs as key reasons for the decision.

Justice Mohammed Umar, who delivered the ruling, rejected Mamu’s bail request on health grounds, stating that the DSS had shown responsibility in managing his case and ensuring medical care while in custody.

The judge emphasized that bail is typically considered when the prosecution is found to be lax or negligent—conditions not applicable in Mamu’s case, given the DSS’s consistent effort in pursuing the terrorism-related charges against him.

Justice Umar, however, ordered that Mamu be taken to a medical facility of his lawyer’s choosing if his condition requires it, and granted him access to his family members during detention.

Mamu was arrested on September 7, 2022, at Cairo International Airport and repatriated to Nigeria on suspicion of terrorism financing. He was later arraigned on March 21, 2023, on a 10-count charge, including allegations that he facilitated ransom negotiations between Boko Haram and families of victims from the March 28, 2022 Abuja-Kaduna train attack.

According to the prosecution, Mamu acted outside official government channels, collecting and delivering ransom payments to the terrorists, and was allegedly nominated by the attackers themselves as a preferred negotiator.

The court’s decision reflects both the seriousness of the allegations and its confidence in the DSS’s ongoing handling of the case.