The Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected an appeal made by Mohammed Tukur Mamu, purported negotiator for alleged terrorists, who sought transfer from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) to Kuje prison in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
In a ruling delivered on Monday, Justice Inyang Ekwo sided with the prosecution, deeming it imprudent to grant Mamu’s request given the recent surge in jailbreaks across the nation.
Justice Ekwo pointed out that Mamu failed to challenge the prosecution’s claims regarding the frequent jail breaks, which, according to the judge, are deemed admitted and true under the law.
Consequently, Justice Ekwo ordered that Mamu remain in DSS custody throughout the duration of his trial on the terrorism-related charges against him. The judge reiterated an earlier directive allowing Mamu access to his personal physician under the supervision of the DSS for medical treatment.
Mamu was brought before the court on March 21 to face a 10-count charge related to terrorism, filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF). Among other allegations, he is accused of having ties to terrorists and involvement in negotiating ransom for those responsible for the recent attack on a train bound for Kaduna and the subsequent abduction of passengers.
