By DAYO ADESULU
The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the arrest of five suspects accused of providing material support to notorious terrorist kingpin Bello Turji, following their repeated failure to appear in court as their terrorism trial drags on.
The order, issued on Wednesday by Justice Emeka Nwite, marks a fresh twist in a case that has faced months of disruption, delays, and legal setbacks. The suspects are standing trial over allegations of financing, logistics, and direct assistance to terrorist networks operating across Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kaduna states.
Court Issues Bench Warrants After Defendants Fail to Appear
Justice Nwite issued bench warrants for the arrest of the defendants after they were absent when the case was called for continuation of trial. The order followed an oral application by counsel to the Federal Government, David Kaswe, who informed the court that government witnesses were present and ready to testify.
The defendants named in the arrest order are Musa Kamarawa, Abubakar Hashimu, also known as Doctor, Samuel Chinedu, and Lucky Chukwuma. A fifth suspect, Bashir Abdullahi, is also listed among those facing charges linked to the terror network.
When asked by the court to explain their absence, defence counsel A.M. Lukman told the judge that he had contacted the first defendant, Kamarawa, who promised to attend the session. Despite that assurance, none of the defendants appeared.
Justice Nwite, noting the pattern of absenteeism and the readiness of the prosecution, granted the government’s request and ordered the immediate arrest of the suspects. The case was adjourned to February 24, 2026, for continuation of trial.
Background: Terrorism Charges Revived After Earlier Strike-Out
The latest court order comes weeks after Justice Nwite, on December 22, 2025, allowed the Federal Government to reopen the terrorism case against the suspects. The charges were initially filed on December 16, 2024, but were struck out on July 8, 2025, following arguments by defence lawyers that the prosecution failed to diligently pursue the case.
The Federal Government, acting through the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, later applied to relist the matter, citing national security concerns and the gravity of the allegations. The court agreed, setting the stage for the resumed trial that has now hit another roadblock.
Eleven-Count Charge, Eight Defendants, One Fugitive Kingpin
The prosecution filed an 11-count terrorism charge against eight defendants, including Bello Turji, who remains at large and is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most violent terrorist leaders.
According to court documents, the first five defendants—Kamarawa, Hashimu, Abdullahi, Chinedu, and Chukwuma—are accused of playing active roles in sustaining terrorist camps through logistics, medical support, and procurement of supplies. The remaining defendants—Bello Turji, Aminu Muhammad, and Sani Lawal—are listed as fugitives.
Prosecutors allege that the suspects knowingly supported terrorist groups led by Turji and other commanders, including Kachalla Halilu, Danbokolo, Lawali, Atarwatse, and Buderi.
Alleged Support: Drugs, Uniforms, Building Materials
According to the charge sheet, the defendants supplied a wide range of items to terrorist camps across northern Nigeria. These allegedly included illicit drugs such as Penta injections and cannabis, food supplies, police and military uniforms, camouflage gear, boots, and caps.
The prosecution further alleges that the suspects delivered construction materials—cement, iron rods, nails, and zinc sheets—used to build and fortify terrorist hideouts in remote locations.
Explosive Allegation: Military Gun Truck Sourced From Libya
One of the most serious allegations in the case involves the procurement of a military-grade gun truck. Prosecutors claim that Kamarawa, Muhammad, and Lawal sourced the vehicle from Libya in 2021 and supplied it to Kachalla Halilu for terrorist operations in Sokoto State.
The vehicle reportedly cost about ₦28.5 million, with part paid in cash and the balance transferred electronically. The prosecution maintains that the defendants knew the gun truck would be used to carry out terrorist attacks.
Sheltering Bello Turji After Deadly Attack
Another count accuses Kamarawa, Hashimu, and Abdullahi of providing medical treatment, shelter, and protection to Bello Turji after a 2018 attack on Tungar Kolo village in Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
These actions, prosecutors argue, amount to direct facilitation of terrorism under Sections 8(1)(b), 17, and 18(a) of the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act, 2013.
Trial Disruptions, Denied Bail, Witness Protection
When arraigned on December 23, 2024, the defendants pleaded not guilty to all charges. Justice Nwite ordered their remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre and later denied their bail application on March 14, 2025. The court also approved a witness protection order due to the sensitive nature of the case.
The trial formally began with testimony from a prosecution witness identified only as “ABC”, who detailed how Kamarawa allegedly facilitated the acquisition of the gun truck used in terrorist operations.
However, repeated absences by defendants and counsel stalled proceedings, contributing to the temporary dismissal of the case last year.
What the Latest Arrest Order Means
With the Abuja court ordering the arrest of Bello Turji-linked suspects, legal observers say the judiciary is sending a clear signal that terrorism trials will not be allowed to collapse through delay tactics. Security agencies are now under pressure to execute the bench warrants and ensure the suspects are produced in court when proceedings resume next month.
As Bello Turji remains at large, the case continues to underscore Nigeria’s broader struggle to dismantle terrorist financing networks and hold collaborators accountable.
#BelloTurji #AbujaCourt #TerrorismTrial #NigeriaSecurity #FederalHighCourt #CounterTerrorism #JusticeSystem
