The Federal Government is set to arraign five suspected terrorists linked to notorious kingpin Bello Turji before a Federal High Court in Abuja today. The arraignment, scheduled before Justice Emeka Nwite, follows their arrest by Nigerian security agencies.
The suspects—Musa Kamarawa, Abubakar Hashimu (aka Doctor), Bashir Abdullahi, Samuel Chinedu, and Lucky Chukwuma—are charged alongside three others still at large: Bello Turji, Aminu Muhammad, and Sani Lawal. The case involves an 11-count charge filed by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, M.B. Abubakar, on December 16, 2024.
The suspects allegedly provided material support to terrorist groups led by Turji and other criminal leaders, including illicit drugs, food supplies, and military gear. They are also accused of supplying construction materials like cement, zinc, and iron rods to terrorist camps in forests across Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kaduna states.
In one count, the defendants reportedly acquired a military gun truck from Libya for N28.5 million in 2021, allegedly for use by a known terrorist, Kachalla Halilu, in acts of terrorism. Another count accuses them of aiding Bello Turji in 2018 by providing medical care for gunshot wounds he sustained after attacking Tungar Kolo Village in Zamfara’s Zurmi Local Government Area.
The charges, brought under the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act of 2013, are punishable under Sections 8, 17, and 18 of the Act.
While the arraignment was initially scheduled for last Friday, it was postponed to allow the suspects time to secure legal representation. Justice Nwite will preside over the case.
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