Ex-terrorist negotiator, Mamu, seeks transfer out of DSS custody

Former terrorist negotiator, Mohammed Tukur Mamu standing trial for allegation of terrorism has applied to the Federal High Court in Abuja to transfer him out of the custody of the Department of the State Service (DSS).

He pleaded with Justice Inyang Ekwo to vary the remand order against him for a remand at Kuje Correctional Center in Abuja instead of DSS custody.

At the resumed trial on Monday, Mamu through his Counsel, Abdul Mohammed (SAN) alleged that the order of the court made on December 19, 2023, that he be allowed access to his physician for medical treatment was not complied with by the DSS.

In his motion on notice argued by his counsel, the former terrorist negotiator claimed that he was allowed access to the physician once during which a report of comprehensive medical examination carried out on him was submitted to the DSS.

Since the submission of the report, Mamu alleged that the physician had not been allowed to access him and that he needed urgent surgical operations in any hospital in the county.

The defendant further claimed that his health had since deteriorated and that he may lose his life if he was not moved out of DSS custody to Kuje Correctional center.

He promised regular attendance at the trial for the terrorism charges adding that he can only stand trial when alive.

There was however a mild drama at the proceeding when a federal government lawyer, David Emmanuel Kaswe who was billed to respond to Mamu’s request suddenly disappeared from the courtroom without any excuse or notification.

The situation forced the court to stand down the proceeding for over one hour but the prosecution counsel did not show up.

Justice Ekwo who expressed shock over the attitude of the lawyer to the court said, “I am aware that the prosecution counsel was in this court room this morning. The miracle of his disappearance is however beyond my understanding. This court stands on the side of justice and the antics of the prosecution will be tolerated for today’s proceeding only”.

Justice Ekwo invoked the rule of the court and ordered that the processes filed by the lawyer against Mamu’s application be deemed adopted and 

subsequently fixed May 20 for ruling on whether to move the defendant out of DSS custody to Kuje Correctional center or not.

It be recalled that Mamu was arrested at the Aminu Kano International Airport upon his arrival from Egypt on September 6, 2022, over his alleged relationship with the terrorists who attacked the Abuja-Kaduna train on March 28, 2022.

The DSS, on March 21, 2023, arraigned him on 10 counts of terrorism financing, among others, to which, he pleaded not guilty.