Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected the bail applications of four terrorism suspects connected to the notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji.
In a ruling on Friday, Justice Nwite dismissed the bail requests, citing the severity of the charges against the suspects. The judge affirmed that the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) had adequately demonstrated the seriousness of the offences allegedly committed by the accused.
Justice Nwite also expressed concern over the potential for the suspects to tamper with evidence, interfere with witnesses, or commit further offences while out on bail.
The suspects denied bail include Musa Kamarawa, Abubakar Hashimu (a.k.a. Doctor), Samuel Chinedu, and Lucky Chukwuma. They are accused of aiding and abetting the terrorist group led by Bello Turji. The federal government has filed 11 terrorism-related charges against them, which they have denied.
On December 23, 2024, Justice Nwite had ordered the suspects’ remand at Kuje prison, pending the completion of their trial.
The charges against the suspects date back to incidents between 2018 and 2022 in Sokoto State. They are accused of conspiring with others to commit acts of terrorism, providing material support to terrorist groups led by Turji and others, including supplying illicit drugs, food, military and police uniforms, and construction materials to terrorist camps in Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kaduna states.
The suspects are also accused of aiding the purchase and supply of a military gun truck from Libya, allegedly worth approximately N28.5 million, which was used to support terrorist activities.
These alleged offences contravene several sections of the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act of 2013, with penalties under the same legislation.
The federal government, through the AGF’s office, filed the 11-count charge (FHC/ABJ/CR/633/2024) against the eight defendants, four of whom remain at large.
