Terrorism: Tukur Mamu Denies Links With Terrorists

Former terrorist negotiator Tukur Mamu has pleaded not guilty to the 10-count charge bordering on terrorism financing among others preferred against him by the Federal Government.

The Federal Government through the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) arraigned Mamu before Justice Inyang Ekwo of a Federal High Court in Abuja.

The suspect denied having any allegiance to the terrorists.

Justice Nkeonye Maha of a sister court had on September 13, 2022, gave the Department of State Services (DSS) the go-ahead to detain the former terrorists’ negotiator for 60 days to enable it to conclude its investigation on Mamu, who led the negotiation with the terrorists for the release of the Abuja-Kaduna train passengers kidnapped in March 2022.

The charge was signed by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, M.B. Abubakar.

Mamu is accused of receiving ransom payments in the sum of 120,000.00 dollars on behalf of the Boko Haram terrorist group from families of hostages (victims) of the Abuja/Kaduna train attack.

The federal government said the offence contravenes the provisions of Section 21 (3) (a) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

The attorney general also alleged that Mamu, sometime in 2022 in Kaduna, received ransom payments on behalf of the Boko Haram terrorist group from families of hostages (victims) of the Abuja-Kaduna train attack.

Mamu is also accused of exchanging voice note communications in relation to acts of terrorism with  Boko Haram spokesperson, Baba Adamu.

The federal government also accused Mamu of dealing in terrorist funds in the sum of 300,000 dollars found in his possession.