The Federal High Court in Abuja has resolutely dismissed the plea of Mohammed Tukur Mamu, a notorious terrorist negotiator, to be relocated from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) to Kuje Prison.
The court’s decision, delivered on Monday, rebuffed Mamu’s application for transfer, further solidifying his detention under the charges of terrorism offenses filed by the Federal Government.
Despite Mamu’s entreaties, including claims of inadequate medical attention and a plea for his life due to deteriorating health, Justice Ekwo stood firm, citing concerns over security breaches posed by potential jailbreaks as a compelling reason to deny the transfer request.
In his ruling, Justice Ekwo highlighted Mamu’s failure to refute the government’s assertions, effectively deeming them as uncontested facts. Consequently, Mamu’s plea for relocation was unequivocally rejected, and he was ordered to remain in the custody of the DSS throughout the trial.
However, in a nod to humanitarian considerations, the court upheld its earlier directive allowing Mamu access to his personal physician under DSS supervision. This decision underscores the balance between security imperatives and the humane treatment of detainees.
Mamu’s legal team, led by Abdul Mohammed, SAN, argued fervently for his transfer, citing alleged lapses in medical care and the urgent need for surgical intervention. Yet, Justice Ekwo’s verdict underscores the judiciary’s unwavering commitment to uphold national security interests while ensuring due process.
The backdrop to Mamu’s case, marked by his arrest in 2022 over suspected ties to the perpetrators of the Abuja-Kaduna train attack, underscores the gravity of the charges against him. Despite his pleas of innocence, the legal proceedings stand as a testament to the state’s resolve to combat terrorism with the full force of the law.
As Mamu’s trial unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between individual rights and collective security in the face of terrorism threats. Justice Ekwo’s ruling reaffirms the judiciary’s role as a bulwark against terrorism, ensuring that justice is served without compromising national security imperatives.
In the pursuit of a safer society, tough decisions must be made, even in the face of individual pleas. Mamu’s case, though contentious, underscores the resilience of legal institutions in upholding the rule of law and safeguarding the nation against the scourge of terrorism.