Latest News
Bail Denied Again? FG Battles to Keep Alleged Terror Middleman Behind Bars
The Federal Government has opposed the renewed bail application filed by alleged terrorist negotiator, Tukur Mamu.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The Federal Government on Monday objected to a renewed bail application filed by Tukur Mamu, the alleged negotiator in the Abuja-Kaduna train attack, who is seeking release from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) on medical grounds.
Mamu, currently facing a 10-count charge related to terrorism financing and aiding terrorist activities, approached the court through his lead counsel, Mr. Johnson Usman, urging it to grant him bail to enable him access to proper medical treatment.
He was arrested on September 6, 2022, in Cairo, Egypt, while en route to Saudi Arabia for lesser Hajj, and was subsequently repatriated to Nigeria. Upon arrival, he was detained by the DSS, which obtained a court order to keep him in custody.
The DSS has maintained that Mamu, publisher of Desert Herald, was using journalism as a cover for terrorism-related operations. The agency claimed he was intercepted while traveling to meet senior terrorist commanders.
Mamu was arraigned on March 21, 2023, on allegations of facilitating terrorist activities, including acting as an intermediary in ransom negotiations between Boko Haram and families of train attack victims. According to the prosecution, he allegedly collected $420,000 and ₦21 million in ransom payments from families, which were reportedly concealed at his Kaduna residence.
Further accusations revealed that he received an additional ₦500,000 in 2022 on behalf of Boko Haram. The prosecution, led by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr. M.B. Abubakar, also alleged that Mamu had voice exchanges with a Boko Haram spokesperson, Baba Adamu, in connection to terrorist operations—acts said to be in violation of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022.
A DSS search of Mamu’s home and office reportedly uncovered incriminating items, including foreign currencies, firearms-related materials, military uniforms, numerous electronic devices, cheque books, international passports, and ATM cards from various banks.
Despite the serious allegations, Mamu has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
His initial bail application was denied on April 27, 2023, as the court cited concerns over security risks and the adequacy of custodial infrastructure. The court also refused a request to transfer him from DSS custody to Kuje prison, maintaining that the DSS was capable of managing his medical condition.
During Monday’s resumed hearing, Mamu’s legal team argued that his health had severely deteriorated in custody and that he urgently required surgery. They also complained that a previous court order allowing him access to his personal physician had only been partially implemented.
The Federal Government, however, urged the court to dismiss the fresh bail plea, insisting it lacked merit. In a counter-affidavit filed by prosecuting counsel Mr. David Kaswe, the government argued that Mamu remains a flight risk and that his medical needs can be effectively handled by the DSS.
The prosecution further emphasized the gravity of the charges against the defendant and the broader implications for national security.
Presiding Judge, Justice Muhammed Umar, adjourned the matter to allow both parties to present their final arguments. The fresh bail application will be heard on July 22.
A group of Nigerians has staged a protest at the United Kingdom Parliament, calling for the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The demonstrators reportedly gathered outside the parliamentary complex, expressing dissatisfaction with the leadership of the electoral body in Nigeria and demanding immediate action.
They insisted that the INEC chairman should be removed, alleging concerns over credibility and trust in the electoral process as the country prepares for the next election cycle.
The protest drew attention from passersby and security personnel, as the group maintained their position that electoral reforms and leadership changes were necessary to restore public confidence.
Sir Uyi has responded strongly to critics of his involvement in nightclub businesses, insisting that such ventures represent only a small part of his wider activities.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
In a firm reaction to recent criticism linked to Vaniti, he stated that people are focusing too much on his nightlife businesses while ignoring other aspects of his work and achievements.
He stressed that his nightclub operations do not define his entire identity or professional portfolio, adding that he is involved in several other ventures beyond entertainment and hospitality.
According to him, the criticism reflects a narrow perception of what he does, and he believes his broader contributions are being overlooked.
Sir Uyi maintained that he remains focused on his various commitments despite public scrutiny surrounding his nightlife business interests.
The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of seven suspected militia herdsmen in connection with the abduction of passengers travelling in an 18-seater Benue Links bus along the Makurdi–Otukpo road last Wednesday.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The victims, which included candidates of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) heading to Otukpo for their examinations, have all been successfully rescued.
Speaking while briefing Governor Hyacinth Alia in Makurdi during the presentation of the freed victims, the Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, said the rescue operation was achieved through coordinated efforts of multiple security agencies.
He explained that five of the abducted passengers were first released, while the remaining 13 were rescued on Sunday morning without injuries.
According to him, the combined pressure from security forces, supported by the state government and the Inspector-General of Police, led to the successful outcome of the operation.
Emenari further disclosed that eight suspects are currently in custody, adding that seven of them are strongly linked to the kidnapping incident, with some victims already identifying them.
He also noted that clearance operations have begun across forest areas in the state to flush out criminal groups, in line with directives from security authorities.
Governor Hyacinth Alia, while receiving the rescued passengers, expressed concern over rising cases of kidnapping in the state but welcomed the safe return of all 18 victims.
He confirmed that among those rescued were eight candidates on their way to write examinations, and called on the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to reschedule the affected exams for them.
The governor assured that the state government remains committed to supporting the victims and strengthening security across Benue State, while also urging residents to provide credible information to security agencies.
He further directed the state health authorities to conduct medical evaluations for all rescued persons and promised government support for those affected.
-
latest8 months ago“Social Media Erupts As Jim Iyke Declares Rita Dominic Nollywood’s Most Beautiful”
-
latest2 years agoEdo Political Showdown: Oshiomhole Appears At Presidential Villa As Tinubu Hands APC Gubernatorial Flag To Okpebholo (Photos & Video)
-
entertainment2 years agoLove Knows No Age American Woman Defends Marriage To Young Nigerian Man “I’m Not 70”
-
latest2 years agoOlumide Akpata Strikes Again: Drops Killer Track, Sends Edo State Into Frenzy!(Video)
-
Politics2 years agoNigerians React As Pastor Adeboye Foresees Passing Away On A Sunday After Enjoying A Satisfying Meal Of Pounded Yam
-
latest2 years agoFG Identifies 31 States At Risk Of Heavy Flooding In 2024: See Full List
-
Politics2 years agoBREAKING: Inspector-General Of Police Summons Top Police Commanders For Crucial-Security Challenges
-
latest2 years ago5 NYSC Corpers Perish In Fatal Road Accident Returning From Camp