…As suspects face 11-count charge over terrorism-related activities
The Federal Government is set to arraign five suspected terrorists with alleged links to notorious kingpin Bello Turji before the Federal High Court in Abuja today (Monday).
The suspects, including Musa Kamarawa, Abubakar Hashimu, Bashir Abdullahi, Samuel Chinedu, and Lucky Chukwuma, are accused of aiding terrorist activities through the provision of material support, such as weapons, uniforms, food, and illicit drugs, to various terrorist groups operating in the Northwest.
The suspects were initially scheduled for arraignment on Friday, December 21, but the process was delayed as no legal counsel appeared on their behalf.
The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) through its counsel, David Kaswe, requested a brief adjournment, which was granted by Justice Emeka Nwite, setting Monday for their court appearance.
In the 11-count charge filed on December 16, the defendants face allegations of supplying military-grade equipment, including a gun truck from Libya, as well as materials like cannabis and penta injections to terrorist camps.
These activities, spanning across Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kaduna states, are said to have directly supported the terror operations of Turji and his associates.
Notably, the suspects are also charged with providing medical services to Turji after he was injured in an attack on Tungar Kolo Village in 2018.
According to the charges, the suspects facilitated terrorist operations by helping procure various goods, including cement, nails, and building materials, to fortify terrorist strongholds.
The charges are in violation of the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act of 2013, with severe penalties outlined under the legislation.