2022 Train Attack: FG Re-Arraigns Tukur Mamu on Amended Terrorism Charge

The Federal Government on Monday re-arraigned Tukur Mamu, the alleged negotiator during the 2022 Abuja-Kaduna train attack, on an amended 17-count terrorism charge before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Mamu, who was first arraigned on a 10-count charge, pleaded not guilty to the revised charges when they were read before Justice Mohammed Umar. The amended charges now include additional allegations such as terrorism financing, unlawful possession of firearms, and money laundering.

The defendant was arrested on September 7, 2022, by Egyptian security officials at Cairo International Airport and later handed over to Nigerian authorities.

At Monday’s proceedings, prosecution counsel David Kaswe, an Assistant Director at the Federal Ministry of Justice, informed the court that the amended charge had been filed on May 26 and duly served on the defence.

He requested that the defendant take his plea on the new charges, a request that was not opposed by Mamu’s counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Johnson Usman.

Justice Umar subsequently directed that the amended charge be read to the defendant, after which Mamu entered a not guilty plea.

The prosecution proceeded with cross-examination as the trial continued, noting that Mamu had earlier opened his defence and testified as the sole defence witness after the Federal Government closed its case with seven witnesses.

According to the amended charge, Mamu is accused of supporting Boko Haram terrorists and allegedly influencing them to boycott a Defence Headquarters committee set up to negotiate the release of victims of the Abuja-Kaduna train attack.

He is also accused of receiving ransom payments on behalf of terrorist groups and facilitating negotiations involving families of kidnapped victims.

The prosecution further alleged that Mamu handled terrorist funds amounting to $269,200 and N25.69 million, in addition to smaller foreign currency transactions linked to terrorism financing.

Other counts include alleged possession of a Delta Magnum pump-action firearm and 47 cartridges without a valid licence, contrary to the Firearms Act.

The matter has been adjourned until June 8 for continuation of hearing, as the court continues to examine evidence in the high-profile terrorism case.