Federal High Court in Abuja has once again denied bail to Tukur Mohammed Mamu, the detained alleged terrorist negotiator, marking the third rejection of his bail application since his arraignment in March 2023.
Justice Mohammed Umar delivered the ruling on Wednesday, October 22, citing national security concerns and the prosecution’s consistent diligence as key reasons for the decision.
Mamu, who is facing a 10-count charge related to terrorism financing, had appealed for bail on medical grounds.
While the court acknowledged Mamu’s health complaints, Justice Umar ruled that his condition did not warrant release from custody. Instead, the Department of State Services (DSS) was directed to ensure that Mamu receives adequate medical care at a health facility of his choosing.
“One of the conditions for granting bail is where the prosecution is not diligent,” the judge stated. “Since the prosecution in this case has been diligent, the application for bail cannot be granted.”
The court also ordered the DSS to allow Mamu supervised access to his family members.
Mamu was arrested by Egyptian authorities at Cairo International Airport on September 7, 2022, and subsequently extradited to Nigeria.
He is accused of acting as an intermediary between families of victims of the March 2022 Abuja–Kaduna train attack and Boko Haram insurgents, allegedly collecting ransom payments for personal gain.
According to court filings, Mamu was nominated by the kidnappers to facilitate negotiations and is alleged to have confirmed and delivered ransom payments to the terrorists.
The case remains ongoing, with Mamu to remain in DSS custody pending further hearings.
