Nigeria: Federal High Court Abuja reinstates terrorism case against Bello Turji’s associates
By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria
Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court Abuja granted the Federal Government’s motion to reopen a terrorism charge that had been struck out earlier for want of diligent prosecution. The charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/633/2024, names eight defendants — five in custody and three, including notorious bandit kingpin Bello Turji, still at large.
The prosecution, led by Attorney‑General’s lawyer David Kaswe, argued that the case involves serious offences with international dimensions and that the government is ready with witnesses and evidence. The judge found the application meritorious and ordered the case restored to the court’s cause list.
The 11‑count charge alleges that the suspects provided material support to terrorist groups led by Turji, Kachalla Halilu, Danbokolo, Lawali, Atarwatse, Buderi and others. Items said to have been supplied include illicit drugs (Panta injections, cannabis), military and police uniforms, foodstuffs, cement, roofing zinc, nails and iron rods destined for camps in Zamfara, Sokoto and Kaduna states. One count details the purchase of a military gun truck from Libya for N28.5 million, which the suspects allegedly knew would be used for terrorism.
Four defendants — Musa Muhammed Kamarawa, Abubakar Hashimu (a.k.a. Doctor), Samuel Chinedu and Lucky Chukwuma — were arraigned on 23 December 2024 and have been remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre. Their bail applications were denied on 14 March 2025, after which the prosecution began presenting evidence, starting with a protected witness “ABC” who testified in Hausa about Kamarawa’s involvement in procuring the gun truck for Kachalla Halilu.
After several adjournments, the case was struck out on 8 July 2025 for lack of diligent prosecution, prompting the AGF to file a motion for re‑listing. Defence counsel A.M. Lukman did not oppose, though he requested N10 million in costs — a request the court declined. The case is now set for hearing on 21 January 2026.
