BREAKING: Federal Govt arraigns five suspects linked to wanted terrorist Bello Turji

The Federal Government will today arraign five individuals accused of collaborating with the notorious terrorist kingpin, Bello Turji.

The suspects, apprehended by Nigerian security agencies, will appear before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja. The arraignment is being prosecuted by the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF).

The defendants, initially scheduled to be arraigned last Friday, were unable to take their pleas due to the absence of legal representation.

During the session, the prosecution, led by AGF’s lawyer David Kaswe, requested a short adjournment to allow the suspects to secure counsel.

Consequently, Justice Nwite rescheduled the arraignment for today.
The government has filed an 11-count charge against eight individuals, including three who remain at large.

The charges, filed by M.B. Abubakar, Director of the Department of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, accuse Musa Kamarawa, Abubakar Hashimu (also known as Doctor), Bashir Abdullahi, Samuel Chinedu, and Lucky Chukwuma of aiding terrorist activities in Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kaduna States. Bello Turji, Aminu Muhammad, and Sani Lawal, who are still at large, were also named as defendants.

The charges allege that the suspects provided critical material support to terrorist groups, including illicit drugs, military uniforms, food supplies, and construction materials for camps.

Additionally, they are accused of acquiring a military gun truck from Libya for approximately ₦28.5 million, which was allegedly delivered to terrorist leader Kachalla Halilu.

The prosecution further claims that the suspects facilitated medical care and shelter for Bello Turji after he sustained injuries during an attack on Tungar Kolo Village in Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

These actions, the government argues, constitute violations of various sections of the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act 2013.

The charges carry significant implications under Sections 17, 18(a), and 8(1)(b) of the Act, which criminalize providing material support, aiding terrorism, and assisting known terrorists.

While the trial is set to begin, three defendants, including Turji, remain at large.