The Federal Government is set to arraign five suspected terrorists linked to the infamous terrorist kingpin, Bello Turji, at the Federal High Court in Abuja today. The suspects, arrested by Nigerian security agencies, will appear before Justice Emeka Nwite, a vacation judge, under charges filed by the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF).
The arraignment was initially scheduled for Friday but was delayed because the defendants had no legal representation. David Kaswe, counsel for the AGF, requested a brief adjournment to allow the suspects to secure lawyers, prompting Justice Nwite to reschedule the arraignment for Monday.
The government has filed an 11-count charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/633/2024, against eight individuals, three of whom are currently at large. The five present in custody include Musa Kamarawa, Abubakar Hashimu (alias Doctor), Bashir Abdullahi, Samuel Chinedu, and Lucky Chukwuma.
Among those at large are Bello Turji, Aminu Muhammad, and Sani Lawal. The charges, filed on December 16 by M.B. Abubakar, Director of the Department of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, allege that the suspects provided material support to terrorist groups led by Turji and other notorious leaders such as Kachalla Halilu, Danbokolo, and Buderi.
The suspects are accused of procuring and supplying illicit drugs, including penta injections and cannabis, as well as essential supplies like food items, military and police uniforms, boots, and building materials such as cement and iron rods. These materials were allegedly delivered to terrorist camps operating in forests across Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kaduna States.
Prosecutors say these acts violate Section 17 of the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act 2013, which prescribes severe penalties for aiding and abetting terrorism.
In one of the charges, Kamarawa, Muhammad (at large), and Lawal (at large) are accused of aiding terrorism in 2021 by purchasing a military gun truck from Libya. The truck, valued at approximately ₦28.5 million, was allegedly supplied to a terrorist leader, Kachalla Halilu. Prosecutors claim the payment for the truck was made partly in cash and partly via electronic transfer.
“You knew or had reason to believe that this vehicle would be used by Kachalla Halilu, a known terrorist, to commit acts of terrorism,” part of the charges read.
This act is said to contravene Section 18 (a) of the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act 2013.
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Another charge accuses Kamarawa, Hashimu (alias Doctor), and Abdullahi of aiding terrorism in 2018. They allegedly provided medical care and shelter to Bello Turji after he sustained gunshot wounds during an attack on Tungar Kolo Village in Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State. This act, prosecutors argue, violates Section 8 (1) (b) of the same anti-terrorism law.
The arraignment highlights the government’s ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and bring perpetrators to justice. By targeting individuals accused of aiding terrorist groups, the Federal Government aims to disrupt the supply chains and support networks that sustain such criminal activities.