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The Federal High Court ,Abuja, on Monday granted an application by the Federal Government to reopen a terrorism charge filed against five suspects linked to the notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji.
Justice Emeka Nwite granted the application in a ruling on the motion on notice filed by the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) seeking an order re-listing the charge, marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/633/2024, in the court’s cause list.
He held that the motion, moved by the AGF’s lawyer, David Kaswe, was meritorious and accordingly granted.
The charge was struck out on July 8 by the judge after the defence counsel moved an oral application to the effect for lack of diligent prosecution.
The Federal Government filed an 11- count terrorism charge against eight defendants, including Bello Turji, who is still at large.
In the charge filed on Dec. 16, 2024 by M.B. Abubakar, the Director of the Department of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Musa Muhammed Kamarawa, Abubakar Hashimu, a.k.a. Doctor; Bashir Abdullahi; Samuel Chinedu and Lucky Chukwuma were listed as defendants.
Others are Bello Turji, Aminu Muhammad and Sani Lawal.
The suspects were alleged to have provided material services to terrorists groups led by Turji, Kachalla Halilu, Danbokolo, Lawali, Atarwatse, Buderi and others.
They were accused of procuring and supplying illicit drugs, including penta injections and cannabis plants (aka indian hemp); food items; military and police uniforms, camouflage, boots, caps and building materials for the terror groups.
They were also accused of providing bags of cement, cover zinc, bags of nails, M.M. iron rods, etc., to terrorist camps in the forests located in Zamfara, Sokoto and Kaduna States.
The offence is said to be contrary to Section 17 of the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act 2013 and punishable under the same section of the Act.
They were alleged to have paid for the gun truck partly in cash and partly via electronic transfer.
“And which you knew or had reason to believe that this vehicle would be used by Kachalla Halilu, a known terrorist, to commit acts of terrorism.
“You thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18 (a) of the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act 2013 and punishable under the same section of the Act,” one of the charges read.
In his ruling, Justice Nwite held that the Federal Government’s application was meritorious.
“I have listened to the submission of the counsel for the applicant and gone through the affidavit evidence and exhibits, including the written address.
“I am aware that the defendant is not objecting to this application.
“Therefore, I am of the view and I so hold that this application is meritorious and accordingly granted.
“There is no order as to cost,” the judge ruled.
He consequently adjourned the case till January 21, 2026 for hearing.
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