FG Kicks Against Tukur Mamu’s New Bail Application Over Health Claims

The Federal Government has opposed a fresh bail request made by Tukur Mamu, a man accused of acting as a middleman for terrorists involved in the 2022 Abuja-Kaduna train attack.

Mamu, who is facing a 10-count charge related to terrorism, asked the court to release him from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) so he could get medical treatment.

The request was made during a court session in Abuja on Monday, where his legal team claimed his health had worsened in detention and that he needed urgent surgery.

They also alleged that the DSS had not fully followed a previous court order allowing him to consult with his personal doctor.

The government, through its legal team, argued against granting him bail.

They insisted that Mamu could run away if released and reminded the court that his earlier bail application had been rejected.

They maintained that the DSS had the right medical facilities to manage his condition while in custody.

Mamu was arrested in Egypt on September 6, 2022, while on his way to Saudi Arabia and was later brought back to Nigeria.

He has since remained in DSS custody.

According to the charges, he allegedly collected large sums of money from families of train attack victims on behalf of Boko Haram.

Authorities said he received over $420,000 and ₦21 million, along with another ₦500,000 payment, which he reportedly kept in his home in Kaduna.

The DSS also accused him of using journalism as a front for helping terrorists, adding that he was heading to meet senior terrorist figures when he was caught.

During a search of his home and office, various items were recovered, including local and foreign currencies, ammunition, multiple mobile devices, laptops, military uniforms, and ATM cards.

Despite the allegations, Mamu has pleaded not guilty. His initial request to be moved from DSS custody to Kuje prison was turned down in April 2023 over concerns about jail security.

The court has now scheduled July 22 to hear the arguments on the new bail request and will deliver a ruling afterward.