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Court Reopens Terrorism Case Against Suspected Bello Turji Associates

Published

1 month ago

December 22, 2025

Notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji

Court Reopens Terrorism Case Against Suspected Bello Turji Associates

The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted an application 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 after ruling on a motion on notice filed by the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) seeking the re-listing of the charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/633/2024, on the court’s cause list.

The judge held that the application, moved by AGF counsel, David Kaswe, was meritorious and accordingly granted it.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the charge was earlier struck out on July 8 after defence counsel made an oral application citing lack of diligent prosecution, following repeated absences of the lead prosecuting counsel.

The Federal Government had filed an 11-count terrorism charge against eight defendants, including Bello Turji, who remains at large.

The defendants named in the charge include Musa Muhammed Kamarawa, Abubakar Hashimu (a.k.a. Doctor), Bashir Abdullahi, Samuel Chinedu and Lucky Chukwuma, listed as the 1st to 5th defendants. Bello Turji, Aminu Muhammad and Sani Lawal, who are all at large, are listed as the 6th to 8th defendants.

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The suspects were accused of providing material support to terrorist groups led by Bello Turji, Kachalla Halilu, Danbokolo and others, including the supply of illicit drugs, food items, military and police uniforms, building materials, and other logistics to terrorist camps in Zamfara, Sokoto and Kaduna States.

They were also alleged to have aided the procurement of a military gun truck from Libya, valued at about ₦28.5 million, for use in terrorist operations, an offence said to be contrary to the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act, 2013.

In another count, some of the defendants were accused of providing medical care, medication and shelter to treat gunshot wounds sustained by Bello Turji after an attack on Tungar Kolo village in Zurmi LGA of Zamfara State.

Four of the suspects, who were arraigned on December 23, 2024, pleaded not guilty, prompting the court to order their remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre. Their application for bail was later refused, while the prosecution was granted witness protection and opened its case with the testimony of a protected witness identified as “ABC.”

However, the trial stalled due to the absence of the lead prosecuting counsel on several adjourned dates, leading to the case being struck out on July 8.

In seeking the re-listing of the matter, Kaswe argued that under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, the prosecution was entitled to more adjournments and had not exhausted the time allowed by law. He described the matter as one involving national security and public safety, stressing that the prosecution was ready to proceed with all witnesses and exhibits.

The defence counsel for the 1st and 2nd defendants, A.M. Lukman, did not oppose the application but requested a ₦10 million cost against the prosecution, citing prolonged detention of the defendants. The request was declined by the court.

In his ruling, Justice Nwite held that the application was properly brought and unopposed, adding that the interest of justice required that the matter be heard on its merits.

“There is no order as to cost,” the judge ruled.

The case was adjourned until January 21, 2026, for continuation of hearing.

Court Reopens Terrorism Case Against Suspected Bello Turji Associates

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Woman Arrested After Allegedly Poisoning Newlywed Husband With Rat Poison

Published

4 hours ago

January 24, 2026

Trends Admin

Woman Arrested After Allegedly Poisoning Newlywed Husband With Rat Poison

The Jigawa State Police Command has arrested a newly‑wedded woman suspected of poisoning her husband to death in Gauza village, Jahun Local Government Area. The incident, which occurred on January 23, 2026, has sent shockwaves through the community.

Police reported that the deceased fell seriously ill after eating a meal prepared by his wife and was rushed to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Investigators from the Jahun Divisional Police Headquarters launched an inquiry and quickly detained the wife as the main suspect.

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During interrogation, the suspect allegedly admitted to putting rat poison in her husband’s food, claiming she was coerced into the marriage by her parents, which fueled resentment that led to the deadly act. Police have confirmed that a full investigation is underway, and the suspect will face court charges once the investigation is complete.

The Commissioner of Police has urged the public to remain calm, stressing that marital disputes should never escalate to violence, and warning that such actions have irreversible consequences. The tragic case highlights growing concerns over domestic poisoning and marital-related crimes in the region.

Woman Arrested After Allegedly Poisoning Newlywed Husband With Rat Poison

metro

Bandits Kill Six Persons in Niger State as Police Confirm Attack

Published

4 hours ago

January 24, 2026

Trends Admin

Niger State Police spokesperson SP Wasiu Abiodun

Bandits Kill Six Persons in Niger State as Police Confirm Attack

The Niger State Police Command has confirmed that six people were killed by suspected bandits in the Wawa community of Borgu Local Government Area, intensifying concerns over the growing security crisis in rural Niger State.

Police spokesperson SP Wasiu Abiodun stated that the attack occurred on January 22, 2026, when the victims — including farmers and a local vigilante — were ambushed while heading to their farms near Damala village. Two other people remain missing, and search operations are ongoing.

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Local residents described the incident as devastating, urging the state and federal governments to take urgent measures to protect vulnerable communities from frequent bandit attacks.

This latest incident is part of a broader pattern of banditry in Niger State and neighbouring areas. Recent attacks in Damala village, Woko District, and Kasuwan Daji market in Demo community have left dozens dead, properties destroyed, and residents displaced, highlighting the escalating rural insecurity in the region.

Authorities have vowed to strengthen security operations, while experts warn that continued attacks threaten socioeconomic stability, displace local populations, and erode confidence in local law enforcement.

Bandits Kill Six Persons in Niger State as Police Confirm Attack

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DSS Silent as NAPO Leader, Two Others Held Incommunicado

Published

5 hours ago

January 24, 2026

Trends Admin

President General of the National Association of Plant Operators (NAPO), Mr Harold Benstowe

DSS Silent as NAPO Leader, Two Others Held Incommunicad

The whereabouts of the President General of the National Association of Plant Operators (NAPO), Mr Harold Benstowe and two other union officials, Mr Tuwonimi Benstowe and Mr Michael Mbata remain unknown, following their alleged arrest by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Rivers State, according to their lawyer.

NAPO’s counsel said the union leader and his colleagues were picked up during a security operation in Finima, Bonny Local Government Area, but have since been held incommunicado, with no official confirmation from the DSS on their detention or location. The development has sparked growing concern among family members, labour unions and civil society groups.

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The lawyer described the action as unlawful and a violation of the detainees’ fundamental human rights, noting that security agencies are required by law to disclose the whereabouts of arrested persons and grant them access to legal representation.

The arrests reportedly followed rising tensions linked to NAPO’s labour activities, including a recent warning strike by plant operators working on the NLNG Train 7 project in Bonny. The union had protested alleged irregular salary deductions and tax remittance issues, which were also the subject of a pending case before the National Industrial Court.

Labour rights advocates have warned that the continued silence of the DSS could undermine due process and escalate industrial unrest, calling for the immediate disclosure of the detainees’ location or their release.

As of the time of filing this report, efforts to obtain an official response from the DSS have remained unsuccessful, while pressure continues to mount on authorities to respect the rule of law and constitutional safeguards.