Court denies bail to suspects linked to bandit leader Bello Turji
The Federal High Court in Abuja has denied bail to four suspects allegedly connected to notorious bandit leader Bello Turji.
In his ruling on Friday, Justice Emeka Nwite held that the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) presented strong grounds indicating that releasing the suspects could pose a threat to national security.
Justice Nwite agreed with the AGF’s counsel, David Kaswe, who argued that bail decisions must be made with careful judicial consideration. Although the court granted an accelerated hearing for the trial, it rejected the suspects’ bail applications.
The judge also approved an ex parte motion for witness protection, as requested by Mr. Kaswe. The prosecution had earlier contended that the suspects might flee or interfere with evidence if released. Mr. Kaswe also noted that several other suspects named in the case, including Bello Turji, remain at large.
The court had earlier ordered the remand of the four suspects—Musa Kamarawa, Abubakar Hashimu (aka Doctor), Samuel Chinedu, and Lucky Chukwuma—in Kuje Correctional Centre following their arraignment on December 23, 2024.
They pleaded not guilty to an 11-count terrorism-related charge.
Although eight defendants were listed in the case (FHC/ABJ/CR/633/2024), only four appeared in court.
The third defendant, Bashir Abdullahi, was absent, and the court granted the prosecution’s request to declare him “at large” after no objection from the defense.
The trial is set to proceed as scheduled.
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