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Ransom negotiation: Judge orders DSS to charge Tukur Mamu to court if….

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2 years ago

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Tukur Mamu
Justice Edward Andow, presiding over the Kaduna State High Court 12 has ordered the Directorate of State Services (DSS) to “immediately” charge Tukur Mamu to Court if any offence was discovered about him regarding his alleged involvement in ransom negotiation on behalf of terrorists.
Tukur Mamu, media consultant to Ahmed Gumi, the popular Islamic cleric in Kaduna  was  arrested in Cairo, capital of Egypt on September 6, 2022.
Mamu, who was at the forefront of negotiations for the release of the Kaduna-train captives, was detained at the Cairo airport and later moved to Nigeria while he was on his way to Saudi Arabia for lesser hajj.
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However, fielding questions from newsmen shortly after Court session on Monday, the lead Counsel to Mamu, Muhammad Sani Katu (SAN)  said he was satisfied with the court order, and expressed the belief that the DSS will obey the order.
“The matter came up today (Monday), we served the DSS and the Attorney General, we started the processes. And the Judge gave the order, directing them to charge him to court immediately for any offence, if any, they may have discovered. That is our target. The word used by the Judge is immediately, immediately differs from soon.
“Don’t be surprised if by tomorrow or next or within the week he is being charged to court if there is any offence, but let me come in here by telling you that one must commend the DSS for the manner that they have been handling this matter. We have gone to see our client severally, he has some health challenges, but they have been taking care of that. They have taken him to hospital, they made so much payment towards his health. But our position is not about his health, not just about holding him there.
“The law is very clear, the essence of his arrest is the belief that he had committed an offence, and how do you know that he had committed an offence is to commence an investigation. And once you finished the investigation and you did not find him wanting, you release him, and if you find him wanting, the law says don’t keep him in detention, charge him to court. That is just the fundamentals.
“As far as we concerned the order to keep him for 60 days elapsed in October last year. They have the right to renew, but as it stands now we are not aware as to whether they have renewed or not. They first they are seeking detention, they can go on their own, but the second time there is the need to have the permission of the Attorney General. They can do that without us on notice. But the fact remains that in an attempt to protect the system we are operating, once you obtain an order against somebody you notify him. If you have contact with the persons you notify them, or at least the general public because this is a matter that certain persons are being concerned.
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“When they did that of the 60 days they came out to tell the whole world that they have obtained detention order. Which is okay. Now the 60 days has elapsed, nobody knows whether they have gotten additional extension or not. That is we say the best we could do is to go to court. We are not saying they must release him. Take him to court for determination. After court determination we will know whether he will go to jail or be freed.
“If you recall, there was an arrest of our client, Tukur Mamu in Cairo on his way to Saudi Arabia with some members of his family. He was moved to Abuja and since then he remains under detention. We got to know that there is an order by the DSS  to detain him for 60 days. At the expiration of the 60 days we thought the next thing they should do is to charge him to for any offence. As it stands now he has not been charged.  And the best we can do for the system is to file legal enforcement wherein our plea which is very clear; release him on administrative bail, if there is anything call administrative bail. Alternatively if you found out that he has committed any offence, charge him to court”. Katu said.
Earlier, in the Motion of Notice dated 22nd Day  of November , 2022 through their Counse Mohammed Sani Katu  SAN, Solomon Utuagha Esq, Auwal Muktar Surajo Esq and Aisha Musa Esq solicitors to the Applicants sought for
 “An order enforcing the Applicants Fundamental Human Rights as gauranteed, enshrined and protected by sections 34,35,36 and 41 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic ,1999, Order 2 of the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules, 2009 and Articles 3,5 and 6 of the African Charter on human and People’s Rights for same being breached or likely to be breached by the Respondents, their agents, privies or assigns.
“An Order of this Honourable Court directing the Respondents to immediately arraign and charge the Applicants before a court of competent jurisdiction for any offence(s) as disclosed from.their Investigation (If any).
” Alternatively an Order directing the Respondents to admit the Applicants on bail pending the conclusion of their investigation.
” And for such further or other Orders as this Honourable Court may seem fit to make in the circumstances of this case”
SUN
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Four Nigerian students arrested after drug ring bust in India

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12 hours ago

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April 1, 2025

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Four Nigerian students arrested after drug ring bust in India

The India’s Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), along with Delhi Police, busted a drug cartel, arrested five suspects including four foreign students from an “influential Nigerian family” and seized MDMA, high-quality crystal meth and Afghan heroin worth Rs 27 crore.

The raid was conducted in the Chattarpur area of Delhi on Monday, March 31, 2025.

Announcing the seizure in a statement on the social media platform X,  Union Home Minister, Amit Shah praised the agencies, saying, “Our relentless hunt against the illicit trade continues.”

According to officials, the NCB and the Delhi Police’s Special Cell traced the source of the drugs to a rented accommodation of an African national, where the MDMA was being synthesised.

Five, including four African nationals belonging to an influential family of Nigeria, have been arrested, a senior MHA official said.

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Acting on inputs about a high-quality methamphetamine transaction in Chhatarpur area, a joint team of NCB and the Special Cell intercepted a vehicle carrying 5.103 kg of crystal methamphetamine, valued at Rs 10.2 crore.

Questioning of the accused and technical tracking led them to an ‘African Kitchen’ in West Delhi’s Tilak Nagar, identified as the source of the contraband.

From this location, 1.156 kgs of crystal methamphetamine, 4.142 kgs of Afghan heroin, and 5.776 kgs of MDMA (Ecstasy pills) have been recovered, officials said.

Further probe led to a follow-up search at a rented apartment in Greater Noida from where 389 grams of Afghan heroin and 26 grams of cocaine have been recovered.

According to the officials, the accused are students of private universities in NCR and Punjab. Besides drugs, they are also suspected to be involved in cryptocurrency trade.

Four Nigerian students arrested after drug ring bust in India

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Ponzi schemes promoters in Nigeria now face 10 years jail

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13 hours ago

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April 1, 2025

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Ponzi schemes promoters in Nigeria now face 10 years jail

The Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, has warned that promoters and operators of any Ponzi Scheme in the country risk a penalty of not less than N20 million or imprisonment to a term of 10 years or both, upon conviction as prescribed by the provisions of the newly signed Investments and Securities Act 2025.

The SEC’s Director-General, Dr. Emomotimi Agama who stated this in Abuja, said the goal of the new legislation is to strengthen the legal framework governing Nigeria’s capital market, better protect investors, and introduce reforms that will promote market integrity, transparency, and sustainable growth.

He explained that previously, the SEC lacked the legal power to prosecute Ponzi scheme operators, which made it difficult to bring offenders to justice.

However, under the new law, those convicted of operating Ponzi schemes face a jail term of 10 years or more. “With the new law, they now face a 10-year jail term and beyond,” he said.

He further explained that the Act stipulates a minimum fine of N10 million for anyone operating a Ponzi scheme in Nigeria.

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“So, N10 million is not the entire penalty or the entire money that will be charged or sanctioned to any suspecting or any accused capital market or non-capital market operator. It is just part of the penalties and or the sanctions that will be meted against such persons,” Agama explained.

The SEC Director-General also said that sanctions will include “disgorgement,” meaning that any profits or gains obtained from defrauding Nigerians will be recovered adding “It is not about the quantum of the fraud, it is about sanctions that would deter people from even getting into it”.

Also, Agama said the new ISA has also provided the SEC with the power to be able to obtain and request telephone conversations and all other conversations that are required to Prosecute Ponzi operators.

“We recognize that a lot of Nigerians have fallen prey to these sponsor schemes and the reason why that is the case is because there were no sanctions. You know enough to deter them from doing this so what this Act has done is to introduce measures for Ponzi scheme operators and intending Ponzi scheme operators not to be able to do this again against the wish and will of Nigerians.

“Protecting the investors in Nigeria is a cardinal responsibility of the SEC and this law has provided the SEC with stronger powers to be able to do that. This law has also been able to provide the SEC with the power to be able to search phones and get phone records for people who are interested in dealing with Nigerians or interested in duping Nigerians. We are able to get these records and quickly provide enforcement actions for the people that are involved so for us it is limitless,” he added.

Ponzi schemes promoters in Nigeria now face 10 years jail

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Kogi LG imposes curfew ahead of Natasha’s homecoming event

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13 hours ago

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April 1, 2025

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Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

Kogi LG imposes curfew ahead of Natasha’s homecoming event

The Chairman of Okehi Local Government Area, Kogi State, Amoka Monday, has imposed a curfew across the council.

Monday cited security concerns following the ban on political rallies and unauthorised public gatherings.

In a statement he signed on Monday, he explained that the curfew was necessary to ensure peace and order in line with directives from the Kogi State Government and Commissioner of Police.

He noted that anyone found loitering or assembling in restricted zones without clearance from the relevant authorities will be arrested and prosecuted.

According to him: “The curfew, which takes immediate effect, restricts movement and gatherings in designated areas.

“Anyone found loitering or assembling in restricted zones without clearance from the relevant authorities will be arrested and prosecuted.

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“The safety of our people is paramount. We will not allow any situation that could jeopardise the peace and stability of our communities.”

The chairman emphasized that the curfew was a proactive step to prevent any potential security threats.

He reassured residents that the local government administration was working closely with security agencies to monitor the situation and take necessary measures to maintain law and order.

The curfew and the ban on political rallies are part of the Kogi State Government’s broader efforts to preserve peace, curb misinformation, and ensure that public gatherings adhere to legal guidelines.

Residents have been urged to comply with the directive and cooperate with security agencies to safeguard lives and property.

The administration also appealed for calm, encouraging the public to go about their daily activities within the confines of the law.

Kogi LG imposes curfew ahead of Natasha’s homecoming event

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