Court Issues Rebuke To Federal Government Over Handling Of Alleged Terrorism Financier Tukur Mamu Case

A federal high court in Abuja reprimanded the federal government for its perceived lack of diligence in prosecuting Tukur Mamu, the publisher of Desert Herald newspaper, over allegations of terrorism financing.

During the court session on Monday, April 29, the absence of prosecution counsel David Kaswe, despite his name being listed as present, drew criticism. Abdul Mohammed, representing Mamu, requested the court to postpone the proceedings until Kaswe’s return.

Expressing surprise at Kaswe’s disappearance even after the case was called again, Justice Inyang Ekwo remarked, “I am also aware that the prosecution was in court this morning, but as to the miracle of the disappearance of the prosecution at the time this matter comes up for hearing is beyond my understanding.”

He further stated, “This antic of the prosecution is only being tolerated in today’s proceeding. If the prosecution demonstrates that they are not ready to prosecute this matter either diligently or expeditiously, the court will make the right decision at that point.