Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed the request by Mohammed Tukur Mamu, the alleged terrorist negotiator, to be transferred from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) to the Kuje Correctional Centre.
In his ruling on Monday, Justice Ekwo noted that the Federal Government opposed the transfer request, citing frequent jailbreaks at the Kuje facility as a significant concern.
The judge further stated that Mamu did not contradict or dispute these claims as required by law.
As a result, the judge concluded that since Mamu did not challenge the claims, they are considered facts, and facts that are admitted require no further proof.
The judge subsequently ordered Mamu to remain in DSS custody throughout his trial on the criminal charges against him.
However, Justice Ekwo reaffirmed his earlier order allowing Mamu access to his physician for medical treatment, under the supervision of the DSS.
On April 29, Mamu, through his lawyer, alleged that the DSS had not complied with the court’s order from December 19, 2023, which permitted him to see his physician for medical treatment.
In his motion on notice, Mamu claimed he was allowed access to his physician only once, during which a report for a comprehensive medical examination was submitted to the DSS.
Mamu further alleged that since the submission of this report, his physician had not been permitted to see him, and he required urgent surgical operations at a hospital in the country.
The defendant further claimed that his health had deteriorated and that he might die if not moved from DSS custody to Kuje Prison.
He assured the court of his regular attendance, emphasizing that he could only stand trial if alive.
Mamu was arrested at Aminu Kano International Airport upon his arrival from Egypt on September 6, 2022, due to his alleged connection with the terrorists who attacked the Abuja-Kaduna train on March 28, 2022.
On March 21, 2023, the DSS arraigned him on 10 counts, including terrorism financing, to which he pleaded not guilty.