- Four suspects linked to bandit leader Bello Turji pleaded not guilty to 11 terrorism charges in a Federal High Court in Abuja
- The suspects are accused of providing material support to terrorist groups, while three other defendants, including Turji, remain at large
Four suspects allegedly connected to notorious bandit leader Bello Turji pleaded not guilty to terrorism charges on Monday. The Federal Government had filed the charges, which include 11 counts of alleged terrorism.
The suspects—Musa Muhammad Kamarawa, Abubakar Hashimu (known as “Doctor”), Samuel Chinedu, and Lucky Chukwuma—denied the allegations before Justice Emeka Nwite at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The charges were read to them during the session.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), eight individuals were listed in the case, but only four appeared in court. Among those absent were Bello Turji and two other defendants, who are reportedly at large.
During the hearing, Justice Nwite inquired about the absence of the third defendant, Bashir Abdullahi. David Kaswe, representing the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), confirmed that Abdullahi was also at large. Kaswe acknowledged an error in the filing and apologized to the court.
He then sought approval to officially record Abdullahi as “at large,” which the judge granted.
The 11-count charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/633/2024, was filed on December 16 by M.B. Abubakar, Director of the Department of Public Prosecutions.
The suspects in court were named the 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 5th defendants.
Meanwhile, Bello Turji, Bashir Abdullahi, Aminu Muhammad, and Sani Lawal, who remain at large, were identified as the 3rd, 6th, 7th, and 8th defendants.
The case highlights ongoing efforts to prosecute individuals linked to terrorism and banditry in Nigeria.
Discussion about this post