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Court Sets the Date: Will Alleged Terror Negotiator Tukur Mamu Walk Free on July 22?
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday scheduled July 22 to hear the fresh bail application filed by Tukur Mamu, the alleged terrorist negotiator.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled July 22 for the hearing of a fresh bail application filed by alleged terrorist negotiator, Tukur Mamu.
The date was fixed following a request for adjournment by Mamu’s lead counsel, Johnson Usman (SAN), to allow time to study and respond to a counter-affidavit that had just been served by the Federal Government’s counsel, David Kaswe.
In the motion on notice dated and filed on May 30, Mamu is seeking two reliefs:
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An order admitting him to bail on health grounds pending the conclusion of his trial.
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Alternatively, an order compelling the Federal Government to take him to a hospital for urgent surgery, as advised by both Nigerian and Egyptian doctors.
Mamu cited four key grounds to justify his request. He argued that he is facing a criminal charge and is entitled to seek the court’s discretion for bail based on his deteriorating health. According to his affidavit, his condition has worsened and requires immediate surgical intervention—one previously recommended by medical professionals.
He stressed that only the court has the discretion at this stage to admit him to bail, or alternatively, to compel the authorities to ensure he receives the necessary medical procedure.
“The defendant/applicant risks losing his life if the court does not exercise its discretion in his favour, either by granting bail or directing the prosecution to facilitate his surgery as recommended by both Egyptian and Nigerian doctors,” he stated.
In response, the Federal Government, through a counter-affidavit deposed to by Michael Akawo, a litigation clerk at the Department of Public Prosecutions, urged the court to dismiss the application. The counter-affidavit, dated and filed on June 30, noted that Mamu had previously applied for bail and was denied, and that no exceptional circumstances had since emerged to justify a reconsideration.
The prosecution also argued that the terrorism charges against Mamu are not ordinarily bailable under Nigerian law.
Akawo disputed key claims made by Mamu, asserting that:
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Mamu was never a member of any Federal Government committee tasked with negotiating the release of the March 28 Abuja-Kaduna train attack victims.
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He was arrested by Egyptian authorities at Cairo International Airport and deported to Nigeria on September 7, 2022.
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As publisher of Desert Herald, Mamu’s publications were described as “alarmist,” allegedly serving terrorist interests while undermining government efforts.
The prosecution insisted that granting bail would not serve the interest of justice or public safety.
It will be recalled that Justice Inyang Ekwo of the same court had earlier rejected a bail application filed by Mamu.
Mamu was arraigned on March 21, 2023, on a 10-count charge bordering on terrorism-related offences. He pleaded not guilty.
According to the Federal Government, Mamu acted as an intermediary for the Boko Haram sect, allegedly collecting large ransom payments from families of the Abuja-Kaduna train attack victims. He is accused of receiving a total of $420,000 and ₦21 million, which he allegedly concealed in his Kaduna residence. Another alleged ransom payment of ₦500,000 was said to have been received in 2022.
In addition, the government claims Mamu exchanged voice communications with a Boko Haram spokesperson, Baba Adamu, regarding terrorist operations—actions said to be in violation of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Despite the severity of the allegations, Mamu maintains his innocence and has denied all charges.
Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has stated that President Bola Tinubu would lose the 2027 presidential election if the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is allowed to participate fully.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
News reports that Amaechi made the claim during an appearance on Channels Television’s breakfast programme on Friday.
He criticised the Tinubu administration and the All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing them of interfering in opposition parties and attempting to weaken potential challengers ahead of the election.
Amaechi argued that regardless of whether the election is free or flawed, Tinubu would be defeated if credible opposition candidates are on the ballot.
He also dismissed interpretations of a Court of Appeal ruling suggesting the opposition was leaderless, insisting that such claims misrepresent the law.
According to him, the government is working to prevent strong opponents from emerging by using institutions, including the judiciary, to influence party structures.
Amaechi called on authorities to allow political institutions to function independently and ensure that all parties can field candidates without interference.
He maintained that Nigerians would ultimately decide at the polls, questioning the administration’s chances amid economic challenges and ongoing insecurity.
“How can he win with the current state of the economy and security situation?” he asked.
Airtel Nigeria has announced the temporary suspension of its airtime and data credit services, which previously allowed eligible prepaid customers to borrow airtime or data and repay on their next recharge.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
reports that the telecom operator said the decision is part of ongoing operational adjustments driven by evolving regulatory requirements in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.
In a statement on Friday, the Director of Corporate Communications and CSR, Femi Adeniran, explained that the move was necessary to ensure compliance with current industry standards.
He added that the suspension aligns with broader efforts to meet regulatory and operational guidelines governing telecom services in the country.
Despite the suspension, Airtel assured customers that normal services remain unaffected, noting that subscribers can still purchase airtime and data through regular channels.
The company further stated that the temporary pause will not impact network performance or overall service delivery nationwide.
Reacting to the development, Airtel Nigeria’s Director of Marketing, Ismail Adeshina, described the decision as necessary and responsible.
He said: “This is a necessary and responsible step as we align our operations with evolving requirements. Airtel Nigeria remains committed to the highest standards of compliance, transparency, and consumer protection, while continuing to innovate responsibly within Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.”
Airtel added that further updates on the suspended service will be communicated in due course.
The development comes amid growing regulatory scrutiny of digital lending and credit-based telecom services in Nigeria.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed the ₦68.32 trillion 2026 Appropriation Bill into law.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
reports that the development was announced on Friday in a statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
The 2026 budget provides a total expenditure of ₦68.32 trillion. Tinubu also approved the extension of the 2025 budget implementation period from March 31, 2026, to June 30, 2026.
Of the total budget, ₦4.799 trillion is allocated to statutory transfers, ₦15.8 trillion to debt servicing, ₦15.4 trillion to recurrent expenditure, and ₦32.2 trillion to capital projects under the Development Fund.
With capital spending accounting for about 50 percent, the budget reflects the administration’s focus on economic stability, security, infrastructure development, and inclusive growth.
The allocation structure is designed to balance statutory commitments, debt obligations, recurrent costs, and capital investments aimed at boosting productivity and improving living standards.
The President also signed the Appropriation (Repeal and Enactment) (Amendment) Bill, 2026, extending the implementation of the 2025 capital budget to June 30, 2026.
The extension is expected to ensure full utilisation of funds for ongoing infrastructure and development projects across the country.
It will also allow Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to complete ongoing projects, improve execution rates, and maximise public spending value.
With the 2026 Appropriation Act taking effect from April 1, the Federal Government is set to begin full implementation in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Tinubu directed MDAs to ensure transparency, discipline, and efficiency in the use of allocated resources, stressing value for money and timely project delivery.
He commended the National Assembly for its swift consideration and passage of the budget, and reiterated the importance of cooperation between the Executive and Legislature in driving national development.
The President also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fiscal reforms, stronger revenue generation, job creation, and expanded social protection programmes.
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