Alleged B’Haram negotiator Mamu arraigned, retained in DSS custody

Alleged Boko Haram negotiator, Tukur Mamu, has been arraigned on a 10-count charge before a Federal High Court in Abuja.

Mamu was arraigned on charges bordering on terrorism, receiving ransoms from families of victims of the Kaduna train attack, dealing with terrorists’ funds, obstructing the activities of the Chief of Defence Staff committee to negotiate those who kept hostage victims of the train attack, exchanging voice notes with Boko Haram spokesperson, among others.

Mamu, who was arraigned alone, pleaded not guilty when the charges was read to him.

His lawyer, Mohammed Katu (SAN), argued the defendant’s bail application, and prayed the court to admit Mamu on bail, a request the prosecuting lawyer, Mrs Aderonke Imana objected to, on the grounds that Mamu’s health condition was not beyond what officials of the Department of State Services could handle.

Justice Inyang Ekwo reserved ruling to a date to be communicated to parties, but ordered that Mamu, who has been in DSS’ custody since his arrest last year, should remain in the same custody pending the delivery of the reserved ruling.