The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted an application filed by the Federal Government to reopen a terrorism charge against five suspects linked to notorious terrorist kingpin, Bello Turji.
Justice Emeka Nwite granted the application in a ruling on a motion on notice filed by the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), seeking an order re-listing the charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/633/2024, on the court’s cause list.
Justice Nwite held that the motion, moved by the AGF’s lawyer, David Kaswe, was meritorious and accordingly granted it.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the charge was struck out on July 8 after defence counsel made an oral application for lack of diligent prosecution.
The Federal Government had filed an 11-count terrorism charge against eight defendants, including Bello Turji, who is still at large.
Those charged include Musa Muhammed Kamarawa, Abubakar Hashimu (also known as Doctor), Bashir Abdullahi, Samuel Chinedu, and Lucky Chukwuma as the 1st to 5th defendants, while Bello Turji, Aminu Muhammad, and Sani Lawal—who are all at large—are listed as the 6th to 8th defendants.
The suspects were alleged to have provided material support to terrorist groups led by Turji and others, including the supply of illicit drugs, food items, military uniforms, building materials, and logistics to terrorist camps in Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kaduna States.
The alleged offences are contrary to Sections 17, 18(a), and 8(1)(b) of the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act, 2013.
Four of the suspects who were arraigned on December 23, 2024, pleaded not guilty, after which the court ordered their remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre.
The case was later struck out on July 8 due to the absence of the lead prosecuting counsel, but has now been re-listed.
Justice Nwite adjourned the matter until January 21, 2026, for hearing.