Terrorists negotiator, Mamu to remain in DSS custody as court rejects transfer to Kuje prison

On Monday, the Federal High Court in Abuja denied terrorist negotiator Mohammed Mamu’s request to be transferred from the Department of State Service to Kuje Prison.

While delivering a verdict on the motion, Justice Inyang Ekwo stated that the issue of frequent jail breaks in prisons is a major reason why Tukur’s transfer request is rejected, as even the federal government has expressed worries about it.

Justice Ekwo, held that Mamu, did not contradict or dispute the averments as required by law and since the averments were not challenged, they are deemed to be true facts and facts admitted need no further proof.

The Judge, on this ground, ordered Mamu to remain in DSS custody throughout his trial for the criminal charges against him.

Justice Ekwo however affirmed his earlier order that the Tukur be allowed access to his personal physician for medical treatment with the supervisions of the DSS.

Mamu, through his lawyer, Abdul Mohammed, SAN, had on April 29, alleged that the order of the court made on December 19, 2023, that he be allowed access to his personal physician for medical treatment was not complied with by the DSS.

In his motion on notice, his counsel contended that Tukur, had claimed that he was allowed access to a physician once during which a report of comprehensive medical examination to be carried out on him was submitted to the DSS.

The terrorist negotiator added that since then, he has not been allowed access to a physician, and he is in urgent need of surgical operations in any hospital in the country.

He said his health is deteriorating and that “he may lose his life any moment if he was not moved out of DSS custody to Kuje Prison.”

He promised regular attendance in court, adding that he can only stand trial when alive.

Recall 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 but he pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Mamu is standing trial for terrorism offences slammed on him by the federal government and has been in the custody of the Department of the State Service, DSS, following the refusal of the Court to admit him to bail.