The Federal High Court in Abuja has refused bail applications for four suspects accused of aiding and abetting the activities of notorious bandit kingpin, Bello Turji.
Justice Emeka Nwite, in his ruling on Friday, stated that releasing the defendants would pose a significant threat to national security.
He emphasized that while bail is at the court’s discretion, it must be exercised judiciously, especially in cases involving terrorism charges.
The prosecution, led by the Attorney-General of the Federation’s (AGF) counsel, David Kaswe, argued that granting bail could lead to the suspects fleeing or interfering with evidence.
Kaswe pointed out that some members of the group, including Turji, remain at large and continue to orchestrate violent attacks across northern Nigeria.
The judge also granted an ex-parte motion to protect witnesses in the case as the trial begins.
The accused – Musa Kamarawa, Abubakar Hashimu (also known as Doctor), Samuel Chinedu, and Lucky Chukwuma – pleaded not guilty to an 11-count terrorism-related charge.
According to court documents, they allegedly conspired with Turji and other fugitives between 2018 and 2022 to provide material support to terrorist groups.
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Prosecutors allege that the defendants supplied illicit drugs, military uniforms, food, and building materials to terror camps in Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kaduna states.
Additionally, they are accused of facilitating the purchase of a military gun truck from Libya for N28.5 million, a transaction reportedly carried out partly in cash and electronic transfer.
Justice Nwite underscored the severity of the charges, noting that terrorism-related offenses require stringent considerations.
He acknowledged the constitutional presumption of innocence but stressed the weight of the evidence presented by the prosecution.
The four suspects will remain in Kuje Correctional Centre, where they have been held since December 23, 2024. The trial has been set for an accelerated hearing, with proceedings scheduled to continue on February 10.
Meanwhile, authorities continue to pursue other suspects still at large, including Bello Turji, who remains a major security threat in Nigeria’s northern region.
(NAN)