iDeemlawfulThe Department of State Services (DSS) has told the Federal High Court that Tukur Mamu, accused of mediating with terrorists in the 2022 Abuja–Kaduna train abduction, allegedly received N50 million from the group’s leader.
Testifying from behind a screen for security purposes, the DSS operative said the claim was revealed in voice notes recovered from Mamu’s phones and tablet after he was arrested in Egypt.
The recordings, played in court, reportedly contained exchanges between Mamu and members of the terrorist group that held the kidnapped train passengers.
According to the witness, the group’s leader, identified as Shugaba, expressed gratitude to Mamu for his involvement and instructed him to take N50 million “for his personal use” from the ransom collected.
Another member of the group allegedly asked Mamu to help them acquire speakers, a public address system, and even guide them on creating a website.
The operative further testified that Mamu directed a relative to relocate his valuables, foreign currency, vehicles, and other belongings from his Kaduna residence before security personnel could conduct a search. Investigators later recovered cash, cars, and other items from multiple sites.
The witness added that during interrogation, Mamu acknowledged communicating with the terrorists and admitted instructing his in-law to move items from his home. He also confirmed ownership of a pump-action gun, though the licence had expired.
The court admitted several exhibits, including the voice notes, documents for recovered vehicles, and statements from kidnap victims who chose not to appear in court due to trauma.
Mamu, publisher of the Desert Herald newspaper, was arrested on September 7, 2022, by Egyptian authorities at Cairo International Airport and handed over to Nigeria on suspicion of terrorism financing.
The Federal Government accused him of handling negotiations between families of victims of the March 2022 Abuja–Kaduna train abduction and Boko Haram members for personal financial benefits.
He was also alleged to have collected ransom payments from victims’ families, verified the amounts, and ensured they were delivered to the terrorists.
Justice Mohammed Umar adjourned the matter to November 26 for further proceedings.
