Alleged Terrorist Negotiator Tukur Mamu Requests Transfer to Kuje Prison Citing Health Concerns

Tukur Mamu, a publisher and alleged terrorist negotiator standing trial for terrorism offenses, has applied to the Federal High Court in Abuja to be relocated from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) to the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja, Nigeria. Mamu cited deteriorating health and the need for urgent surgery as the reasons for his request.

Through his lawyer Abdul Mohammed, Mamu claimed that the court order made on December 19, 2023, allowing him access to his personal physician for medical treatment, was not complied with by the DSS. He alleged that his health has deteriorated and he needs urgent surgical operations, and that he might lose his life if he is not transferred out of DSS custody to Kuje Prison.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has set May 20 as the date for a ruling on Mamu's application. During the court proceedings, the judge expressed concern over the absence of the government's counsel, warning that it could take action if the prosecution is not ready to diligently and expeditiously prosecute the case.

Why this matters: The case of Tukur Mamu highlights the ongoing challenges in Nigeria's fight against terrorism and the importance of ensuring fair legal proceedings for all accused individuals. The court's handling of Mamu's request for transfer and medical treatment will be closely watched as a test of the justice system's ability to balance security concerns with the rights of the accused.

Mamu was arrested on September 6, 2022, in Cairo, Egypt, and is currently standing trial on 10 counts of terrorism financing and other charges related to his alleged involvement with the terrorists who attacked the Abuja-Kaduna train in March 2022. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges and denied having allegiance to the terrorists.

The court had previously declined to admit Mamu to bail on the grounds of ill health, but later granted his plea to have access to his own personal physician. "The court's order made on December 19, 2023, allowing him access to a physician for medical treatment was not complied with by the DSS," Mamu's lawyer stated in the application for transfer.

As the trial continues, the Federal High Court's ruling on May 20 regarding Mamu's transfer request will be a significant development in this high-profile case. The court has made clear its expectations for the government to pursue the prosecution diligently, with the judge expressing surprise at the "miraculous disappearance" of the prosecution lawyer during the recent hearing.

Key Takeaways

• Tukur Mamu, a terror suspect, seeks transfer from DSS to Kuje Prison
• Mamu cites deteriorating health and need for urgent surgery as reasons
• Court expresses concern over lack of diligent prosecution by the government
• Mamu was arrested in Cairo, Egypt, and is on trial for terrorism financing
• Court to rule on Mamu's transfer request on May 20, 2023