The Federal Government is set to arraign five individuals suspected of collaborating with the notorious terrorist kingpin, Bello Turji, at the Federal High Court in Abuja today.
The suspects, apprehended by Nigerian security forces, will be presented before Justice Emeka Nwite, a vacation judge, under the supervision of the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation.
Their arraignment had been scheduled for last Friday, but proceedings were delayed as the defendants lacked legal representation.
Prosecuting counsel David Kaswe requested a brief adjournment to allow the suspects to secure legal counsel, prompting Justice Nwite to fix today for the continuation of the case.
The government, represented by the AGF’s office, has filed an 11-count charge (case number FHC/ABJ/CR/633/2024) against eight defendants. While three of the accused remain at large, the other five—Musa Kamarawa, Abubakar Hashimu (alias Doctor), Bashir Abdullahi, Samuel Chinedu, and Lucky Chukwuma—will face charges in court.
Bello Turji, alongside Aminu Muhammad and Sani Lawal, who are still on the run, is listed as the 6th to 8th defendants in the case.
The charges accuse the defendants of supporting terrorist factions led by Turji, Kachalla Halilu, Danbokolo, and others.
Allegedly, the defendants supplied these groups with illicit drugs, including penta injections and cannabis, as well as food supplies, military and police gear, and construction materials like cement, nails, and zinc roofing sheets for terrorist hideouts in Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kaduna forests.
According to the prosecution, these acts violate Section 17 of the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act of 2013, which prescribes penalties under the same statute.
In one specific charge, the defendants Kamarawa, Muhammad (still at large), and Lawal (still at large) are accused of procuring a military gun truck from Libya in 2021.
This vehicle, valued at approximately ₦28.5 million, was reportedly delivered to terrorist leader Kachalla Halilu in Sokoto State. Payment for the truck was allegedly made through a combination of cash and electronic transfers.
“And which you knew or had reason to believe that this vehicle would be used by Kachalla Halilu, a known terrorist, to commit acts of terrorism,” reads part of the charge, which also states that this contravenes Section 18(a) of the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act 2013.
Another count accuses Kamarawa, Hashimu (Doctor), and Abdullahi of aiding Bello Turji by providing medical care and shelter for gunshot wounds he sustained during a 2018 attack on Tungar Kolo village in Zurmi Local Government Area, Zamfara State.
This charge falls under Section 8(1)(b) of the same Act.
The case underscores the government’s ongoing effort to combat terrorism and dismantle support networks for criminal factions across the country.
