Tukur Mamu, Negotiator for Terrorism Tukur Mamu Requests Transfer From DSS Detention To Kuje Prison

The Federal High Court in Abuja has received an application from terrorist negotiator Tukur Mamu, who is on trial for terrorism-related offenses, to be moved from the Department of State Service (DSS) to the Kuje Correctional Centre.

In order to have a remand at the prison rather than in the DSS's custody, Mamu requested that Justice Inyang Edem Ekwo modify the remand order against him.
Mamu, represented by Abdul Mohammed, SAN, told the court on Monday during the trial that the DSS had failed to follow the December 19, 2023, ruling granting him access to his personal physician for medical care.

In In his notice move, the former terrorist negotiator asserted—as stated by his attorney—that he was granted a single visit with the doctor, during which a report detailing a thorough medical examination was completed and sent to the DSS.

Mamu said that the doctor had not been able to see him since the report was submitted, and that he required immediate surgery at any county hospital.

The defendant further stated that if he is not transferred from the DSS custody to Kuje jail, his condition has since gotten worse and he could pass away at any time.

He stated that he can only be tried while he is still alive, although he did commit to regularly attend the trial for the terrorism allegations.

A little drama did, however, arise during the hearing when David Emmanuel Kaswe, the Federal Government's attorney, who was scheduled to answer to Mamu's request, abruptly vanished from the courtroom without giving any prior notice or explanation.
The prosecution's attorney failed to appear despite the circumstances forcing the court to halt the case for more than an hour.

Judge Ekwo stated, "I am aware that the prosecution counsel was in this court room this morning," expressing dismay at the lawyer's demeanor.

But the mystery behind his disappearance is beyond comprehension. This tribunal is in favor of justice and the Only for today's proceeding will the prosecution's theatrics be accepted.

Judge Ekwo declared that the procedures submitted by the attorney in opposition to Mamu's application will be regarded as adopted, invoking the court's norm.

After that, the judge set May 20 for a decision on whether or not to transfer the defendant from DSS custody to Kuje jail.

Due to his suspected affiliation with the terrorists that attacked the Abuja-Kaduna train on March 28, 2022, Mamu was detained upon his arrival at the Aminu Kano International Airport on September 6, 2022, following his departure from Egypt.

He was charged with terrorism financing on March 21, 2023, by the DSS, among other offenses, however he entered a not guilty plea.