By Capital Watch Media
Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected bail applications for four individuals accused of aiding the notorious bandit leader Bello Turji, citing the gravity of the charges against them.
The court’s decision, delivered on Friday, maintained that the prosecution had provided compelling evidence that the suspects posed a risk of interfering with the investigation and committing further offences.
“The charges are severe, and the likelihood of these individuals tampering with evidence or intimidating witnesses is high,” Justice Nwite stated during his ruling.
The four accused — Musa Kamarawa, Abubakar Hashimu (also known as Doctor), Samuel Chinedu, and Lucky Chukwuma — were charged with providing logistical support to Turji’s group, including the supply of arms, drugs, and military uniforms.
The Federal Government has levelled an 11-count terrorism charge against the suspects, which they have all denied.
The accused have been in detention at Kuje prison since December 23, 2024, following their initial arraignment.
The court ruled that their continued detention was necessary to ensure the integrity of the judicial process.
According to the prosecution, the alleged offences took place between 2018 and 2022 across Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kaduna states.
The suspects were accused of supplying vital resources to terrorist groups, including food items, medical supplies, and construction materials for their camps.
In one of the most serious allegations, the accused reportedly facilitated the purchase of a military-grade gun truck from Libya in 2021, which was delivered to the bandit leader Kachalla Halilu for ₦28.5 million.
The payment for the vehicle was allegedly made both in cash and through electronic transfers, further implicating the suspects in the financing of terrorism.
“The evidence presented so far shows a well-organised network providing material support to dangerous groups,” said Mohammed Abubakar, Director of the Department of Public Prosecutions.
The charges were filed by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, AGF, on December 16, 2024, with four additional defendants still at large, including Bello Turji.
The suspects were also accused of procuring illicit drugs such as penta injections and cannabis, which were supplied to bandit camps operating in forested areas.
Other materials allegedly provided included military and police uniforms, boots, caps, and construction materials like cement, nails, and iron rods.
The Federal Government argued that these supplies played a crucial role in sustaining the operations of the armed groups terrorising northern Nigeria.
The offences contravene Sections 17 and 18(a) of the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act 2013, with severe penalties attached upon conviction.
Despite their plea of innocence, the court found the weight of the evidence substantial enough to warrant continued detention.
Defence counsel had argued for bail on the grounds of the suspects’ fundamental rights, insisting that they would not abscond or interfere with the trial.
However, the court sided with the prosecution’s position that the risk posed by their release outweighed their claims.
“This is a matter of national security, and the court cannot overlook the potential consequences of releasing individuals facing such serious allegations,” Justice Nwite added.
The case is set to continue, with the next hearing scheduled for later this month.
As the trial progresses, the Federal Government remains firm in its commitment to bringing those supporting terrorist activities to justice.
Efforts to apprehend the remaining suspects, including Bello Turji, are ongoing, with security agencies intensifying their operations in the region.
The accused individuals are expected to remain in custody as the court prepares to hear further evidence in the coming weeks.
