Justice Inyang Edem Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed the plea of terrorist negotiator Mohammed Tukur Mamu for a transfer from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) to Kuje Prison in Abuja.
Mamu, who is facing terrorism charges brought against him by the Federal Government, had sought relocation from DSS custody, where he had been held following the court’s refusal to grant him bail.
In delivering the ruling, Justice Ekwo cited the Federal Government’s concerns about frequent prison breaks as a key reason for rejecting Mamu’s request for transfer to Kuje Prison. He noted that Mamu failed to challenge or dispute the government’s assertions as required by law.
Since Mamu did not contest the allegations, the court deemed them to be true and admissible without further proof. Consequently, Mamu was ordered to remain in DSS custody throughout his trial on the terrorism charges.
However, Justice Ekwo upheld his previous directive allowing Mamu access to his personal physician for medical treatment under DSS supervision.
Mamu’s legal counsel, Abdul Mohammed, SAN, had argued on April 29 that Mamu had not been granted access to his physician as ordered by the court in December 2023. Mamu claimed that despite one visit by the physician, subsequent access had been denied, jeopardizing his health and necessitating urgent medical attention.
Mamu’s arrest at Aminu Kano International Airport in September 2022, following his return from Egypt, was linked to his alleged association with terrorists responsible for the March 28, 2022 attack on the Abuja-Kaduna train. He was subsequently arraigned by the DSS on charges of terrorism financing, among others, in March 2023.
