Federal High Court: Terrorist Negotiator Accused of Receiving ₦50 Million from Terrorist Group

The Federal High Court in Abuja heard compelling evidence on Tuesday that alleged terrorist negotiator Tukur Mamu received ₦50 million from Boko Haram-linked terrorists, according to testimony from a Department of State Services (DSS) official.

The testimony delivered by the sixth prosecution witness revealed that a leader of the terrorist group, identified as Shugaba, instructed that ₦50 million be set aside for Mamu’s personal use. This admission came during a detailed account of intercepted voice notes extracted from Mamu’s mobile devices, which were submitted as evidence in court.

According to the DSS agent, Shugaba’s voice was identifiable in audio recordings seized after Mamu’s arrest, which occurred on September 7, 2022, at Cairo International Airport. Egyptian security officials detained Mamu on suspicion of financing Boko Haram activities through ransom negotiations. The witness noted that the mobile conversations contained predominantly Hausa language, many of which were transcribed and translated into English for the prosecution.

The alleged scheme involved Mamu persuading terrorists to negotiate ransom payments directly with hostage families instead of the Federal Government’s Chief of Defence Staff Committee. Prosecutors argue this was an attempt for personal enrichment, circumventing official channels established after the Abuja-Kaduna train attack in March 2022. This attack resulted in numerous hostages, whose families were later approached by Mamu for ransom collection on behalf of Boko Haram.

Further evidence detailed by the DSS witness included the seizure of cash, vehicles, and other valuables from Mamu’s Kaduna residence following a search warrant executed after his return to Nigeria. Among the recovered assets were approximately $300,000 in U.S. dollars and seven vehicles — including Toyota Camry, Peugeot 5008, Lexus, Mercedes E350, and Hyundai models — the ownership of which was documented and admitted as court exhibits.

During interrogation, Mamu confessed to instructing his in-law, Mubarak Tinja, to relocate valuables from pre-emptive detection by security forces. The accused also admitted to communications with terrorists via voice notes and owning a pump-action gun, which investigators confirmed had an expired licence since December 2021.

The court also heard that terrorists sought technical assistance from Mamu, requesting he teaches them how to develop a website to advance their activities.

Prosecutor David Kaswe emphasised the significance of forensic analysis conducted on devices recovered from Mamu. The evidentiary voice notes and physical exhibits form the core basis of the terrorism-related charges against the defendant.

The prosecution further submitted written statements from two victims, who declined to testify publicly due to fear and trauma. These statements reinforced the accounts of ransom demands and the psychological impact on hostages and their families.

In response, the defence has yet to present arguments, with the court adjourning to reconvene for further proceedings next Wednesday at 11 a.m. The court is expected to inspect the recovered items to substantiate the evidence trail.