The Federal High Court in Abuja, Nigeria has denied bail to four terrorism suspects accused of aiding the operations of notorious bandit leader Bello Turji.
Justice Emeka Nwite ruled against their bail applications on Friday, citing the severity of the charges leveled against them. The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice had argued that the evidence against the suspects was strong and that they posed a risk of tampering with evidence, influencing witnesses, and committing further crimes.
The accused individuals—Musa Kamarawa, Abubakar Hashimu (also known as Doctor), Samuel Chinedu, and Lucky Chukwuma—allegedly provided material support to terrorist groups operating in Nigeria’s northwest. The Federal Government has charged them with 11 counts of terrorism-related offenses, which they have denied.
Allegations Against the Suspects
According to court documents, the suspects, along with others who remain at large, are accused of conspiring to supply drugs, food items, military uniforms, and building materials to bandit groups between 2018 and 2022. These groups, led by Turji and other notorious criminals, are responsible for numerous attacks across Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kaduna states.
The prosecution also alleges that in 2021, some of the accused facilitated the purchase of a military gun truck from Libya for N28.5 million, which was later delivered to terrorist leader Kachalla Halilu.
Justice Nwite had previously ordered the detention of the suspects at Kuje Prison on December 23, 2024, pending trial. The Federal Government, through the Office of the Attorney General, has continued to pursue legal action against the defendants, with the case expected to proceed in the coming weeks.
Bello Turji remains at large, and security agencies are continuing efforts to dismantle his network of supporters and collaborators.
