Alleged terrorist negotiator Tukur Mohammed Mamu was on Monday re-arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja on a 17-count amended charge bordering on terrorism-related offences.
Mamu was re-arraigned before Justice Mohammed Umar and pleaded ‘not guilty’ to all counts after the amended charge was read to him in court.
Prosecution counsel, David Kaswe told the court that the charge was amended to align with evidence already presented during the trial. Defence counsel Johnson Usman (SAN) did not oppose the request for the defendant to take his plea on the amended charge.
According to the amended charge, Mamu allegedly provided support to the Boko Haram terrorist group in Kaduna around March 28, 2022. He was also accused of encouraging the group to boycott a committee established by the Federal Government and led by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) to negotiate the release of victims abducted during the Abuja-Kaduna train attack, allegedly to enhance his role in the payment, receipt and delivery of ransom funds from victims’ families.
The Federal Government further alleged that Mamu undermined and obstructed the activities of the CDS Committee set up to secure the release of the hostages.
In another count, he was accused of receiving $120,000 in ransom payments on behalf of the terrorist group from families of victims of the train attack, contrary to provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. The prosecution also alleged that Mamu committed acts preparatory to terrorism by exchanging voice note communications relating to terrorist activities with Baba Adamu, identified as a Boko Haram spokesperson.
He is further accused of dealing in terrorist funds amounting to $269,200 and N25.69 million allegedly found in his possession, as well as terrorist property contrary to the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act. Additional counts allege that he was found with 1,840 Indian rupees, 1,700 Egyptian pounds and 115 UAE dirhams, which the prosecution described as terrorist funds.
Mamu also faces money laundering charges involving the alleged possession of ₦25.69 million and $269,200.
In separate counts, the Federal Government accused him of unlawful possession of a Delta Magnum pump-action firearm and 47 cartridges without valid licences, offences said to be contrary to the Firearms Act and punishable under its provisions.
