The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed January 27, 2027, to deliver judgment in the alleged terrorism financing case against Kaduna-based publisher and negotiator, Tukur Mamu.
Justice Mohammed Umar scheduled the date on Monday after the prosecution and defence adopted their final written addresses and presented their arguments on the 17-count charge against the defendant.
Mamu is facing allegations bordering on terrorism financing, money laundering, unlawful possession of firearms and dealings in terrorist funds. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
During Monday’s proceedings, Mamu’s counsel, Johnson Usman (SAN), urged the court to discharge and acquit his client, arguing that the Federal Government had failed to prove the allegations against him.
Usman particularly questioned the prosecution’s handling of a rifle allegedly recovered from Mamu’s residence, insisting that the defence had repeatedly requested the firearm’s licence but that it had not been properly presented before the court.
The lawyer maintained that the licence was not expired when Mamu was arrested and argued that the prosecution’s failure to produce it raised doubts that should be resolved in his client’s favour.
However, the Federal Government’s lawyer, David Kaswe, disagreed, telling the court that the rifle and its licence had already been tendered as exhibits through a prosecution witness.
Kaswe, who appeared on behalf of the Attorney-General of the Federation, urged Justice Umar to accept the prosecution’s final written address and convict Mamu, insisting that the government had discharged its burden of proof.
The defence counsel also expressed appreciation to the Department of State Services (DSS) for granting Mamu’s family access to him in accordance with a court order.
Mamu was initially arraigned on a 10-count charge before the prosecution amended the charges to include additional allegations. He was subsequently re-arraigned on 17 counts on June 1 and pleaded not guilty.
The prosecution alleged that Mamu supported the Boko Haram terrorist group, obstructed efforts by a Federal Government committee to secure the release of hostages abducted during the Abuja-Kaduna train attack, and received ransom payments on behalf of the group.
The charges also include allegations of dealing in terrorist property and funds, as well as possessing 47 cartridges without a valid firearms licence.
The Federal Government further alleged that Mamu exchanged voice-note communications relating to terrorism with an individual identified as Baba Adamu, described in the charge as a Boko Haram spokesperson.
The prosecution called seven witnesses before closing its case, after which Mamu opened his defence on April 23 and testified as the sole defence witness.
Justice Umar will now deliver judgment after considering the evidence and submissions presented by both parties.
Mamu has denied the charges, and the allegations remain subject to the court’s final determination.
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