The Federal High Court in Abuja has denied the bail applications of four men accused of having ties to notorious bandit leader Bello Turji. The court ruled that releasing them could pose a serious risk to national security.
Justice Emeka Nwite, who presided over the case, agreed with the prosecution’s argument that the defendants should remain in custody while their trial proceeds. The prosecution, led by the Attorney-General of the Federation’s (AGF) lawyer, David Kaswe, noted that granting them bail might allow them to escape and interfere with evidence.
Kaswe argued that even though courts have the power to grant bail, this power must be exercised carefully, especially in cases involving national security. He also pointed out that some of the accused individuals in the case were still on the run, including Bello Turji himself.
The judge, after considering the arguments, ruled against the bail request but ordered a speedy trial. He also approved a request from the prosecution to protect witnesses during the trial to ensure their safety.
The case against the four suspects, Musa Kamarawa, Abubakar Hashimu (also known as Doctor), Samuel Chinedu, and Lucky Chukwuma, is part of an 11-count charge related to terrorism. The charges accuse them of supporting terrorist activities by providing supplies such as drugs, food, military uniforms, and even a military-grade truck from Libya, which was allegedly sold to another terrorist leader for N28.5 million.
During their arraignment, the defendants pleaded not guilty to all charges. However, the prosecution noted that there was strong evidence linking them to acts of terrorism in northern Nigeria. The court had earlier ordered their detention at Kuje Correctional Centre while awaiting trial.
Justice Nwite acknowledged that, according to the constitution, every accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty. However, he stressed that the seriousness of the charges and the potential security risks made it necessary to keep them in custody.
