Four defendants associated with notorious terrorist figure, Bello Turji, pleaded not guilty to terrorism-related charges brought against them by the Federal Government on Monday.
The defendants—Musa Muhammad Kamarawa, Abubakar Hashimu (also known as Doctor), Samuel Chinedu, and Lucky Chukwuma—are part of a group of eight individuals facing prosecution. This case, filed on December 16 by M.B. Abubakar, the Director of the Department of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, is currently being heard by Justice Emeka Nwite in a Federal High Court in Abuja.
During the hearing, only the four defendants were present, raising concerns about the absence of the 3rd defendant, Bashir Abdullahi.
When Justice Nwite inquired about Abdullahi’s whereabouts, it was revealed that he, like the 6th, 7th, and 8th defendants (including Bello Turji), is currently at large.
David Kaswe, representing the Attorney-General of the Federation, acknowledged this oversight and apologized to the court. The judge permitted the prosecution to formally note Abdullahi’s status as “at large.”
The defendants are facing a total of 11 charges in the ongoing case, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/633/2024.
The proceedings highlight the ongoing challenges associated with prosecuting individuals linked to terrorism in the region.
