A Department of State Services (DSS) operative told the Federal High Court that Tukur Mamu, accused of negotiating with terrorists during the 2022 Abuja–Kaduna train abduction, allegedly received N50 million from the group’s leader.
The witness said the terrorist leader, known as Shugaba, thanked Mamu for his involvement and instructed him to take N50 million “for his personal use” from the ransom. Another group member reportedly asked Mamu for help obtaining speakers, a public address system, and even guidance on creating a website.
The DSS operative added that Mamu asked a relative to move his cash, vehicles, and other valuables from his Kaduna home before security agents could search it. Investigators later recovered foreign currency, several cars, and other items from various locations.
During interrogation, Mamu allegedly admitted communicating with the terrorists, directing his in-law to move items, and owning a pump-action gun with an expired licence. The court admitted voice recordings, vehicle documents, and statements from kidnapping victims who chose not to testify due to trauma.
Mamu, publisher of the Desert Herald newspaper, was arrested on September 7, 2022, at Cairo International Airport by Egyptian authorities and later repatriated to Nigeria on suspicion of financing terrorism. The Federal Government claims he facilitated negotiations between hostages’ families and Boko Haram for personal gain, including collecting and delivering ransom payments.
Justice Mohammed Umar adjourned the trial to November 26 for continuation.
