Tukur Mamu, charged for terrorism for his role as an alleged negotiator during the 2022 Abuja-Kaduna train attack, allegedly received N 50 million from the terrorist group’s leader, according to testimony presented by the Department of State Services (DSS).
A DSS witness informed the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday that Mamu received the funds from the leader of the group, identified as ‘Shugaba.’ Mamu, who was repatriated from Egypt, faces multiple charges, including receiving ransoms, dealing with terrorist funds, and attempting to obstruct government-led negotiation efforts.
The Abuja-Kaduna train attack on March 28, 2022, was one of the most deadly terrorist attacks in the country, resulting in dozens of deaths and the abduction of 62 passengers. Tukur Mamu, served as an intermediary between the families of the hostages and the terrorist group, which included elements of the Ansaru faction, a known Boko Haram splinter group.
The DSS witness’s testimony was based on the interpretation of audio recordings of Mamu’s interrogation conducted in Egypt before his extradition to Nigeria in September 2022.
A DSS witness informed the court about the alleged financial transaction and Mamu’s suspected collaboration. The sixth DSS witness, also informed the court that the terrorist group asked Mamu to teach them how to open a website for their activities.
Mamu and his defense argue that his actions were solely those of a humanitarian intermediary trying to secure the release of hostages when the government failed to act. He maintains his innocence on terrorism charges and is challenging his terrorist designation as a violation of his fundamental rights and presumption of innocence.
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