By MOHAMMED DANBABA
The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted the Federal Government’s request to reopen a high-profile terrorism case linked to notorious bandit kingpin Bello Turji, reviving criminal proceedings that had earlier been struck out over alleged lack of diligent prosecution.
Justice Emeka Nwite, in a ruling delivered on Monday, approved the government’s application and ordered that the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/633/2024 be re-listed on the court’s cause list. The decision clears the way for the continuation of trial against suspects accused of financing and providing material support to terrorist groups operating in North-West Nigeria.
Court Says Application Is Meritorious
Justice Nwite held that the motion on notice filed by the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), and argued by prosecuting counsel David Kaswe, was meritorious and deserved to be granted in the interest of justice, public safety, and national security.
The terrorism case had previously been struck out on July 8, 2025, following an oral application by defence lawyers who argued that the prosecution failed to diligently pursue the matter due to repeated absences of lead counsel.
However, the Federal Government returned to court, urging Justice Nwite to revive the case, stressing that terrorism-related prosecutions should not be terminated on technical grounds, especially when national security is at stake.
Background of the Bello Turji Terrorism Case
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the Federal Government filed an 11-count terrorism charge against eight defendants, including Bello Turji, who remains at large.
The charge, dated December 16, 2024, was filed by M.B. Abubakar, Director of the Department of Public Prosecutions of the Federation.
The defendants listed as first to fifth include:
Musa Muhammed Kamarawa
Abubakar Hashimu, also known as Doctor
Bashir Abdullahi
Samuel Chinedu
Lucky Chukwuma
Bello Turji was named as the sixth defendant, alongside Aminu Muhammad and Sani Lawal, who were listed as the seventh and eighth defendants respectively. All three are currently at large.
Allegations of Terror Financing and Logistics Support Court documents allege that the defendants provided extensive material, medical, and logistical support to terrorist groups allegedly led by Bello Turji and other violent actors, including Kachalla Halilu, Danbokolo, Lawali, Atarwatse, and Buderi.
Prosecutors accused the suspects of supplying illicit drugs such as Penta injections and cannabis, food items, and military-grade materials including army and police uniforms, camouflage gear, boots, and caps to terrorist camps.
The charge further alleged that the defendants supplied construction materials—bags of cement, zinc roofing sheets, nails, and iron rods—to camps located deep within forests across Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kaduna states.
₦28.5 Million Gun Truck Allegation
In one of the most serious counts, prosecutors alleged that Musa Kamarawa, alongside Aminu Muhammad and Sani Lawal, sometime in 2021 in Sokoto State, aided and abetted terrorism by procuring a military gun truck from Libya.
The vehicle was allegedly purchased for about ₦28.5 million, with payments made through both cash transactions and electronic transfers. Prosecutors said the suspects knew, or had reason to believe, that the gun truck would be used by Kachalla Halilu, a known terrorist, to carry out violent attacks.
The offence, according to the charge, contravenes Section 18(a) of the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act, 2013.
Medical Care and Shelter for Turji After Attack
In another count, prosecutors alleged that Kamarawa, Hashimu (Doctor), and Abdullahi provided medical treatment, shelter, and logistical assistance to Bello Turji after he sustained gunshot injuries during an attack on Tungar Kolo village in Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State in 2018.
The alleged acts, including wound care and medication supply, were said to violate Section 8(1)(b) of the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act, 2013.
Trial History and Striking Out of Case
Four of the suspects—Kamarawa, Hashimu, Chinedu, and Chukwuma—were arraigned on December 23, 2024, where they pleaded not guilty. The court ordered their remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre and adjourned proceedings for hearing of bail applications.
On March 14, Justice Nwite dismissed the bail applications, granted witness protection orders, and allowed the prosecution to open its case.
The first prosecution witness, identified only as “ABC” for security reasons, testified in Hausa and linked Kamarawa to the procurement of a gun truck used for terrorist operations.
However, proceedings stalled on May 23 and May 26 due to the absence of lead prosecuting counsel. On July 8, the defence successfully applied for the case to be struck out.
Why the Court Re-Listed the Case
In moving the fresh application, Kaswe argued that under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, the prosecution was entitled to up to five adjournments and had not exhausted that window.
He described the matter as one with international terrorism implications, insisting that the prosecution was fully prepared with witnesses and exhibits.
Justice Nwite agreed, ruling that the application met the threshold for re-listing and that justice would be better served by allowing the case to be heard on its merits.
Case Adjourned to January 2026
Although the defence raised concerns over prolonged detention and requested a ₦10 million cost against the prosecution, the court ruled in favour of the Federal Government.
The Bello Turji terrorism case has now been adjourned to January 21, 2026, for hearing and continuation of trial.
The ruling marks a significant development in Nigeria’s broader fight against terrorism financing and armed banditry in the North-West.
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