The Federal Government is set to arraign five suspected terrorists linked to the infamous terrorist kingpin, Bello Turji, at the Federal High Court in Abuja today (Monday). The suspects are accused of importing a military gun truck valued at N28.5 million from Libya into Nigeria.
The arraignment, presided over by Justice Nwite, a vacation judge, follows the filing of 11 charges by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF). Although the arraignment was initially scheduled for Friday, it was postponed to allow the defendants to secure legal representation.
The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/633/2024, lists Musa Kamarawa, Abubakar Hashimu (a.k.a. Doctor), Bashir Abdullahi, Samuel Chinedu, and Lucky Chukwuma as defendants. Three other suspects—Bello Turji, Aminu Muhammad, and Sani Lawal—remain at large.
Prosecutors allege that the suspects provided logistical and material support to terrorist groups led by Turji and other notorious figures, including Kachalla Halilu, Danbokolo, and Buderi. These supports reportedly included illicit drugs such as penta injections and cannabis, as well as food supplies, military uniforms, camouflage gear, and building materials like cement and nails.
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One of the charges highlights that in 2021, Kamarawa and two suspects at large, Muhammad and Lawal, acquired a military-grade gun truck from Libya. The truck was allegedly sold to terrorist Kachalla Halilu at a cost of N28.5 million, with payments made in cash and electronic transfers. Prosecutors claim the suspects knew the vehicle would be used to perpetrate acts of terrorism, violating Section 18(a) of the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act 2013.
Another charge alleges that in 2018, Kamarawa, Hashimu, and Abdullahi aided acts of terrorism by providing medical treatment and shelter for Bello Turji after he sustained gunshot wounds during an attack on Tungar Kolo Village in Zamfara’s Zurmi Local Government Area. This act contravenes Section 8(1)(b) of the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act 2013.
The charges further detail how the suspects supplied weapons, drugs, and essential items to terrorist camps across Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kaduna states.
