The Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected the bail applications of four individuals accused of having ties to notorious bandit leader Bello Turji.
According to The PUNCH, Justice Emeka Nwite, who delivered the ruling on Friday, stated that the prosecution, represented by the Attorney-General of the Federation, had presented a compelling case showing that granting bail would pose a significant threat to national security.
“The court has the discretion to grant bail, but this must be done judiciously, considering the severity of the allegations and their implications on national security,” Justice Nwite said.
The suspects—Musa Kamarawa, Abubakar Hashimu (also known as Doctor), Samuel Chinedu, and Lucky Chukwuma—pleaded not guilty to the charges against them. They were accused of conspiring with Turji’s gang to provide material support to terrorist groups operating in Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kaduna States.
Counsel for the AGF, David Kaswe, argued that the accused played significant roles in the terrorist operations led by Turji, warning that they could abscond or interfere with evidence if released.
“There is overwhelming evidence linking them to acts of terrorism, including the supply of illicit drugs, military uniforms, food, and building materials to armed groups,” Kaswe told the court.
He also noted that some of the defendants’ associates, including Bello Turji himself, remain at large, further justifying the need for their continued detention.
“Chief among those still evading arrest is the sixth defendant, Bello Turji, who continues to cause mayhem across the country and remains a grave threat to national security,” Kaswe added.
In addition to denying bail, Justice Nwite granted an ex-parte motion filed by the prosecution for witness protection.
“The safety of witnesses is paramount, especially in a case of this magnitude,” the judge said.
The trial has been scheduled for an accelerated hearing, with proceedings set to continue in the coming weeks.
According to court documents, the four defendants—along with other suspects still at large—allegedly conspired between 2018 and 2022 to support terrorist groups. They were accused of procuring and supplying drugs, uniforms, and other materials to armed gangs.
One of the charges detailed how the defendants helped acquire a military gun truck from Libya in 2021, which was delivered to a terrorist leader at a cost of ₦28.5 million.
The prosecution maintained that these actions violated multiple sections of the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act, 2013, carrying severe penalties.
Justice Nwite had previously ordered the suspects’ remand at Kuje Correctional Centre on December 23, 2024, after their arraignment.
Although eight individuals were originally listed in the case, including Turji, only four were present in court. The whereabouts of the third defendant, Bashir Abdullahi, remain unknown, prompting the judge to formally record him as “at large.”
