Court Reopens Terrorism Case Involving Suspects Linked To Bello Turji

The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted the Federal Government’s application to reopen a terrorism charge against five suspects connected to notorious terrorist kingpin, Bello Turji.

Justice Emeka Nwite, in a ruling on Monday, granted the motion on notice filed by the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), seeking an order to re-list the charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/633/2024, on the court’s cause list.

The case was struck out on July 8, 2025, after the defence counsel applied for dismissal due to an alleged lack of diligent prosecution.

The prosecution, through AGF’s lawyer, David Kaswe, argued that the striking out of the case was premature, as the prosecution had not exhausted its allotted adjournments and was fully prepared to present its witnesses and exhibits.

The 11-count terrorism charge, initially filed on December 16, 2024, targets eight defendants, including Musa Muhammed Kamarawa, Abubakar Hashimu (also known as Doctor), Bashir Abdullahi, Samuel Chinedu, and Lucky Chukwuma, who are currently in custody. However, Bello Turji, Aminu Muhammad, and Sani Lawal remain at large.

The suspects are accused of providing material support to terrorist groups led by Turji and other bandits, including supplying illicit drugs, food, military and police uniforms, camouflage gear, construction materials, and even facilitating the acquisition of a gun truck used for terrorist activities.

Some defendants were also alleged to have provided medical care and shelter to injured terrorists.

During the proceedings, Kaswe maintained that the prosecution’s absence on July 8 was due to an official engagement and not deliberate, stressing the importance of relisting the case in the interest of justice, national security, and public safety.

He further argued that the defendants would not be prejudiced by the relisting.

Counsel to the 1st and 2nd defendants, Lukman, did not oppose the application but requested a cost of N10 million against the prosecution, citing the prolonged detention of his clients during the trial.

In his ruling, Justice Nwite held that the Federal Government’s application was meritorious and granted it, ordering that the case proceed without any cost awarded.

The matter was adjourned to January 21, 2026, for hearing.

The case highlights ongoing efforts by Nigerian authorities to prosecute terrorism with international dimensions and reinforce accountability for material support to outlawed groups.