AGF’s Argument Sways Court To Dismiss Bail Plea Of Bello Turji’s Suspected Accomplices
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday dismissed the bail applications filed by four suspects linked to the notorious bandit kingpin, Bello Turji.
In his ruling, Justice Emeka Nwite held that the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), who is prosecuting the case, had made a compelling argument that releasing the defendants would pose a significant threat to national security.
Justice Nwite agreed with the AGF’s counsel, David Kaswe, that although granting bail is at the court’s discretion, it must be exercised judicially and judiciously.
While granting an accelerated hearing for their trial, the judge dismissed the bail plea. He also granted an ex parte motion filed by Kaswe, seeking the protection of witnesses as the trial begins immediately.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that on February 10, Kaswe argued that if granted bail, the defendants might abscond. He further submitted that there was strong evidence linking them to terrorist activities led by Bello Turji in northern Nigeria and that they might interfere with evidence.
Kaswe emphasized that bail is not an absolute right, especially when national security is at stake. He urged the court to consider the nature of the charges, the severity of the punishment, and the strength of the evidence against the defendants. He also pointed out that some co-defendants, including Bello Turji, remained at large.
He said, “Chief among them is the 6th defendant, Bello Turji, who continues to cause mayhem and havoc to innocent Nigerians and remains a threat to national security.”
Delivering his ruling, Justice Nwite acknowledged the constitutional presumption of innocence for anyone charged with a criminal offense. However, he stated that all relevant facts must be considered.
NAN reports that on December 23, 2024, Justice Nwite ordered the remand of the four suspected terrorists in Kuje Correctional Centre after they pleaded not guilty to an 11-count charge of terrorism. The judge then adjourned the matter until February 10 for trial.
The four suspects—Musa Kamarawa, Abubakar Hashimu (a.k.a. Doctor), Samuel Chinedu, and Lucky Chukwuma—denied involvement in the alleged offenses when the charges were read to them.
Although the charge listed eight defendants, three—including Bello Turji—remained at large. When the court registrar called the case, only four defendants were present.
Justice Nwite inquired about the whereabouts of Bashir Abdullahi, the third defendant. Kaswe informed the court that Abdullahi was also at large and sought permission to officially mark him as such. The judge granted the request, as the defense raised no objections.
NAN reports that the federal government, through the AGF’s office, filed the 11-count charge (FHC/ABJ/CR/633/2024) against eight defendants, four of whom are at large.
In the charge filed on December 16 by M.B. Abubakar, Director of the Department of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Musa Muhammad Kamarawa, Abubakar Hashimu (a.k.a. Doctor), Samuel Chinedu, and Lucky Chukwuma were named as the 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 5th defendants, respectively.
Meanwhile, Bashir Abdullahi, Bello Turji, Aminu Muhammad, and Sani Lawal—who remain at large—were listed as the 3rd, 6th, 7th, and 8th defendants, respectively.
In count one, the defendants, between 2018 and 2022 in Sokoto State, allegedly conspired to commit acts of terrorism. They were accused of providing material support to terrorist groups led by Bello Turji, Kachalla Halilu, Danbokolo, Lawali, Atarwatse, Buderi, and others.
The prosecution alleged that they procured and supplied illicit drugs—including penta injections and cannabis—food items, military and police uniforms, camouflage, boots, caps, and building materials such as cement, roofing sheets, nails, and iron rods to terrorist camps in Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kaduna states.
The offense violates Section 17 of the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act 2013 and is punishable under the same section.
In count four, Kamarawa, Muhammad (at large), and Lawal (at large) were accused of aiding and abetting terrorism in 2021 by acquiring a military gun truck from Libya and supplying it to terrorist Kachalla Halilu for approximately ₦28.5 million. The payment was allegedly made in cash and through electronic transfer.
The federal government stated that this offense violates Section 18(a) of the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act 2013 and is punishable under the same section.
