The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday denied another bail application by Tukur Mamu, the alleged terrorist negotiator currently detained by the Department of State Services (DSS).
In his ruling, Justice Mohammed Umar rejected the plea but ordered the DSS to promptly take Mamu to a hospital for medical attention, acknowledging his health complaints. The judge permitted Mamu’s defence lawyer to choose a suitable medical facility for the treatment.
Justice Umar explained that the bail was denied because the prosecution has demonstrated diligence in handling the case. He noted that a lack of diligent prosecution is a primary reason for granting bail, a condition he found was not met in this instance.
The judge affirmed that while the court has discretion on bail, it must be exercised judiciously, considering factors like the nature of the charge, the evidence, and the risk of the defendant interfering with the trial or fleeing.
This marks the third time the court has rejected Mamu’s request for bail since his arraignment on March 21, 2023. He faces a 10-count charge from the Federal Government, including terrorism financing, to which he has pleaded not guilty.
Mamu was arrested in Egypt on September 7, 2022. He is accused of negotiating and collecting ransoms from the families of hostages taken during the March 2022 Abuja-Kaduna train attack. The prosecution alleges he subverted the government’s official negotiating committee for his own financial gain.
Mamu’s trial is ongoing. (NAN)
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