Court denies bail to four suspects linked to bandit kingpin Bello Turji

The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed bail applications filed by four suspects linked to notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji, citing significant national security concerns.

Justice Emeka Nwite, in his ruling on Friday, agreed with the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), represented by counsel David Kaswe, that releasing the defendants would pose a substantial threat to national security. He emphasized that while granting bail is at the court’s discretion, it must be exercised judiciously.

Despite dismissing the bail plea, Justice Nwite granted an accelerated hearing for the trial and approved an ex parte motion by Kaswe for witness protection.

Kaswe had argued on February 10th that the defendants posed a flight risk and could interfere with evidence, given their alleged significant roles in Turji’s terrorism activities. He asserted that bail is not an absolute right, especially in cases involving national security, and urged the court to consider the nature of the charges and the strength of the evidence against the defendants.

“Chief among them is the 6th defendant, Bello Turji, who continues to cause mayhem and havoc for innocent Nigerians and has become a threat to national security,” Kaswe stated.

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Justice Nwite acknowledged the constitutional presumption of innocence but stressed the need to consider all facts.

The four suspects – Musa Kamarawa; Abubakar Hashimu, a.k.a. Doctor; Samuel Chinedu; and Lucky Chukwuma – had previously pleaded not guilty to an 11-count charge of terrorism. Justice Nwite had ordered their remand at Kuje Correctional Centre on December 23, 2024, and adjourned the matter for trial.

Originally, eight defendants were listed in the charge, but three, including Bello Turji, were at large. Bashir Abdullahi, another defendant, was also declared at large during the court proceedings.

The Federal Government, through the AGF’s office, filed the 11-count charge, alleging that the defendants conspired to commit acts of terrorism between 2018 and 2022 in Sokoto State. They were accused of providing material support to Turji’s terrorist group, including illicit drugs, food items, military and police uniforms, and building materials.

Count four specifically alleged that Kamarawa, Muhammad (at large), and Lawal (at large) aided terrorism by acquiring a military gun truck from Libya and supplying it to a terrorist, Kachalla Halilu, for approximately N28.5 million. “They were alleged to have paid for the gun truck partly in cash and partly via electronic transfer,” the charge stated.

The offences are said to contravene the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act 2013.

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