Court reopens terrorism case linked to Bello Turji

The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted the Federal Government’s request to reopen a terrorism case against five suspects accused of providing material support to notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji.

Justice Emeka Nwite approved the application filed by the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), ordering that the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/633/2024 be re-listed, ruling that it was “meritorious and deserved to be granted.”

The case had been struck out on July 8 after defence lawyers argued that the prosecution failed to diligently pursue the trial. The government, however, urged the court to revive the matter in the interest of justice and national security.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the Federal Government filed an 11-count charge against eight defendants, including Turji, who is still at large. The first to fifth defendants are Musa Muhammed Kamarawa, Abubakar Hashimu (aka Doctor), Bashir Abdullahi, Samuel Chinedu and Lucky Chukwuma. Turji, alongside Aminu Muhammad and Sani Lawal, also at large, were listed as the sixth to eighth defendants.

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Prosecutors alleged that the suspects supplied drugs, food, military and police uniforms, and building materials to terrorist camps in Zamfara, Sokoto and Kaduna states. One count accused Kamarawa and others of procuring a military gun truck from Libya for about ₦28.5 million and supplying it to a terrorist leader.

“And which you knew or had reason to believe that this vehicle would be used by Kachalla Halilu, a known terrorist, to commit acts of terrorism,” the charge reads.

Another count accused some defendants of treating Turji’s gunshot wounds and providing shelter after an attack in Zamfara State, an offence punishable under the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act, 2013.

During arguments on the relisting application, government counsel David Kaswe said the prosecution had not exhausted its allowable adjournments under the ACJA, 2015.

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“We have presented cogent reasons to have this matter relisted in the interest of justice, public safety and national security. This is a case of terrorism that has an international dimension,” he said.

Defence counsel A.M. Lukman did not oppose the application but requested ₦10 million in costs, citing the defendants’ prolonged detention.

Justice Nwite granted the application and adjourned the case to January 21, 2026, for hearing.