Kaduna Train Attack: Witnesses Absence During Trial Of ‘’Terrorist Negotiator’ Tukur Mamu

Kaduna Train Attack: witnesses absence during Trial of ‘’terrorist negotiator’ Tukur Mamu. Mr Usman alleged that his client, a Muslim, had not been allowed to go for his prayer since he was detained by the SSS.

The trial was scheduled to proceed before Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

However, when the matter was called, lawyer to the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), David Kaswe, informed the court of their challenge.

Mr Kaswe said though the prosecution still had three more witnesses to call to establish its case against Mr Mamu, the next witness, who had already been prepared to testify, told them last night that he would not be able to come to Abuja.

The lawyer further said that another witness who would have given his evidence and tendered the exhibits in the case could not come because the exhibits keeper was not around.

He said, “This is the challenge we have my lord,” seeking an adjournment.
Responding, Johnson Usman, SAN, who appeared for Mr Mamu, expressed sadness over the development.

The senior lawyer, who did not oppose Mr Kaswe’s application for adjournment, however informed the court of their complaints.

Mr Usman alleged that his client, a Muslim, had not been allowed to go for his prayer since he was detained by the State Security Services.

He also alleged that Mr Mamu’s relatives were being prevented from seeing him against the court order.

Besides, the lawyer said though the court ordered that his client should be allowed to have access to a doctor of his choice, he said after his doctor prescribed a BP Digital Kit for his client, the SSS officers refused to allow the family to come with the equipment.

He said though the security agency insisted that the device would be provided for the defendant, they were yet to do so.

Justice Ekwo, therefore, directed the prosecution and the defence lawyers to work together and report back to the court within seven days on the steps taken to resolve the issues.

The judge adjourned the matter until May 6, May 7 and May 8 for continuation of trial.

The Federal Government on March 21, 2023, arraigned Mr Mamu for allegedly aiding terrorist operations in the country.

He was arraigned on a 10-count terrorism charge but pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Kaduna-based Islamic scholar was accused of collecting various sums of money in different currencies from families of victims of the train attack, on behalf of the Boko Haram terrorists’ sect.

The federal government told the court that investigations revealed that the defendant collected an aggregate sum of $420, 000 from families of the victims, as well as N21 million from another set of families of the train attack.

It further alleged that Mr Mamu hid the funds he earned from services he rendered to the terrorist organisation, in his residence in Kaduna State.

Kaduna Train Attack

It told the court that the defendant had sometime in 2022, in Kaduna State, received ransom payments in the sum of N500, 000 on behalf of the Boko Haram terrorist group, from families of the train attack held as hostages.

More so, in the charge signed by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), M.B. Abubakar, the FG added that the defendant exchanged voice note communications with one Baba Adamu, identified as spokesperson for Boko Haram, in relation to acts of terrorism.

It maintained that the defendant acted in breach of the Terrorism Prevention, Prohibition Act, 2022.
Mr Mamu, however, denied all the allegations.

Court arraigned Businessman For Allegedly Assaulting Abuja Disco’s Officials Over Electricity Disconnection

Court arraigned businessman for allegedly assaulting Abuja Disco’s officials over electricity disconnection  . The police prosecutor said that the defendant assaulted and obstructed workers of the company while performing their lawful duties.

A45-year-old businessman, Prince Ogbede, was arraigned before a Life Camp Chief Magistrates’ Court, Abuja, for allegedly intimidating and assaulting Abuja Electricity Distribution Company officials.

The police charged Ogbede, of Kado Village, behind Chief Palace, Life Camp, Abuja, with criminal intimidation and assault.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against him.

The Prosecutor, Charity Nwachukwu, told the court that the Chief Security Officer of AEDC, Wuse Zone 4 office, George Williams, reported the matter at the Life Camp Police Station on February 17.

Ms Nwachukwu said that on the same date, the defendant assaulted and obstructed workers of the company while performing their lawful duties.

He said the defendant beat up one of the AEDC officials, Gloria Azobu, and also climbed their ladder while another worker, Momoh Abubakar, was trying to disconnect his electricity.

The prosecutor said that the complainant, Williams, said that the defendant owed AEDC N1 million which he refused to pay.

She said that while the officials were trying to disconnect the defendant’s light, he threatened to kill himself and the official on the ladder trying to carry out the disconnection.

Court

Mr Nwachukwu said that during the police investigation, the defendant could not give a satisfactory account of his actions.

According to her, the offences contravene the provisions of sections 97 and 265 of the Panel Code.
The Chief Magistrate, Musa Jobbo, admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N800,000, with a surety in like sum.

Mr Jobbo said that the surety must reside within the court’s jurisdiction, with a reliable means of identification.

He, thereafter, adjourned the matter till April 30 for hearing.

Woman Seeks Divorce Over Husband’s High S3xual Demands

Woman seeks divorce over husband’s high s3xual demands. A 37-year-old woman, Linda Stephen, has filed for divorce at a Kaduna Customary Court, citing her husband, Felix Stephen’s, overwhelming s3xual demands as the reason.

Linda, a resident of Ungwan Sunday in Kaduna, told the court that her husband frequently forced her into prolonged intimacy from midnight until morning, sometimes ignoring her distress. She also accused him of physically assaulting her whenever she refused his advances.

Woman Seeks Divorce

Married for six years, she stated that she had moved out of their home three months ago and was unwilling to return despite pleas from his relatives.

“I can no longer endure his excessive s3xual demands. Even when I cry, he refuses to stop,” she said.

In response, Felix admitted to his actions but expressed his desire to reconcile, pledging to control himself. He urged the court to help mediate, stating that he still loves his wife.

The judge, John Dauda, adjourned the case until May 6 to allow time for possible reconciliation, advising both parties to maintain peace.