The Nigerian government is set to arraign five suspected terrorists linked to notorious kingpin Bello Turji, at the Federal High Court in Abuja. This follows a major revelation about the acquisition of a military gun truck from Libya for N28.5 million.
The suspects, apprehended by security agencies, will appear before Justice Emeka Nwite, a vacation judge, under the auspices of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF). The arraignment was initially scheduled for Friday but was postponed to allow the suspects time to secure legal representation.
The government, led by President Bola Tinubu, has filed an 11-count charge against eight defendants with three currently at large. The suspects include Musa Kamarawa, Abubakar Hashimu (alias Doctor), Bashir Abdullahi, Samuel Chinedu, and Lucky Chukwuma. Among those at large are Bello Turji, Aminu Muhammad, and Sani Lawal.
The charges allege the provision of material support to terrorist groups, including procuring illicit drugs, military uniforms, and building materials for camps in Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kaduna States. These acts violate Section 17 of the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act 2013.
Charge involves Kamarawa and others acquiring a military gun truck from Libya in 2021 and supplying it to a terrorist leader, Kachalla Halilu, for N28.5 million. This transaction allegedly included both cash and electronic payments and contravenes Section 18 (a) of the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act 2013.
Additional accusations include aiding Bello Turji in 2018 by providing medical treatment after he sustained gunshot wounds during an attack on Tungar Kolo Village in Zamfara. This charge falls under Section 8 (1) (b) of the same Act.
