FG Re-Arraigns Tukur Mamu On 17 Terrorism, Money Laundering Charges

FG Re-Arraigns Tukur Mamu On 17 Terrorism, Money Laundering Charges
Mamu pleaded not guilty to terrorism and money laundering allegations.
Court adjourned proceedings until June 8 for cross-examination.

The Federal Government on Monday re-arraigned alleged terrorists’ negotiator, Tukur Mamu, before the Federal High Court in Abuja on an amended 17-count charge bordering on terrorism, terrorism financing, money laundering, and unlawful possession of firearms.

Mamu, who appeared before Justice Mohammed Umar, pleaded not guilty to all the charges brought against him.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the defendant was arrested on September 7, 2022, by Egyptian security officials at Cairo International Airport and was initially arraigned on a 10-count charge related to terrorism financing.

At the resumed hearing, the prosecution counsel and Assistant Director at the Federal Ministry of Justice, David Kaswe, informed the court that an amended charge dated May 26 had been filed and served on the defence.

Kaswe explained that additional counts were included based on evidence already before the court and urged Justice Umar to allow the defendant to take his plea on the amended charges.

Counsel to the defendant, Johnson Usman (SAN), did not oppose the application. Following the submission, the court directed that the amended charge be read to Mamu, who subsequently pleaded not guilty.

According to the prosecution, Mamu allegedly provided support to Boko Haram around March 28, 2022, in Kaduna State. The government alleged that he encouraged the terrorist group to boycott a committee established by the Chief of Defence Staff to negotiate the release of hostages abducted during the Abuja-Kaduna train attack.

The prosecution further alleged that the move was intended to strengthen Mamu’s role in negotiating ransom payments from relatives of the victims.

The amended charge also accused him of receiving $120,000 on behalf of the terrorist group as ransom from families of kidnapped train passengers. He was further alleged to have exchanged terrorism-related voice communications with Baba Adamu, identified by prosecutors as a spokesperson for Boko Haram.

The Federal Government also accused Mamu of dealing in terrorist funds amounting to $269,200 and ₦25.69 million, alongside foreign currencies allegedly recovered from him. He was additionally charged with money laundering and unlawful possession of a Delta Magnum pump-action firearm and 47 cartridges without valid licences.

FG Re-Arraigns Tukur Mamu On 17 Terrorism, Money Laundering Charges

Following his plea, the prosecution commenced cross-examination. Mamu had opened his defence on April 23 after the Federal Government closed its case, having presented seven witnesses.

Justice Umar subsequently adjourned the matter until June 8 for the continuation of cross-examination.