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Tukur Mamu challenges AGF’s ‘terrorist’ label in fundamental rights suit

Published

2 weeks ago

November 26, 2025

Tukur Mamu

Tukur Mamu challenges AGF’s ‘terrorist’ label in fundamental rights suit

Abuja – Alleged terrorist negotiator Tukur Mamu has filed a fundamental rights enforcement suit against the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), challenging his designation as a “terrorist” while still standing trial.

Mamu’s lead counsel, Johnson Usman, SAN, told Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja that the AGF’s action violated Section 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution, which presumes a defendant innocent until proven guilty. The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/713/2024, lists the AGF as the sole respondent.

Usman argued that media publications and official statements designating Mamu as a terrorist were unlawful, attaching printouts as exhibits to their application. He insisted that only the court, upon conviction, has the power to designate a person a terrorist and that the AGF’s unilateral action infringed on his client’s constitutional rights.

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“It is legally, morally, and religiously wrong to designate Mamu a terrorist while he is undergoing trial,” Usman said. “The court alone has the authority to make such a determination, and the applicant is entitled to damages to teach that lesson.”

The AGF, represented by David Kaswe, countered that the designation was lawful under Sections 49 and 50 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022, which empowers a Sanction Committee to recommend individuals suspected of terrorism for designation. Kaswe maintained that the AGF acted within the law, and the committee regularly reviews designations.

Justice Umar pressed Kaswe on whether it is lawful to label a defendant a terrorist before the conclusion of their trial. Kaswe responded that the applicant remains a “designated terrorist” and not a convicted terrorist; only a court conviction would confirm such a status.

Usman, however, argued that the reliance on Section 49 of the Terrorism Prevention Act conflicts with Section 36 of the Constitution. He contended that the designation, made after Mamu was charged in 2023, violates his presumption of innocence.

The judge adjourned the matter until February 23, 2026, for the adoption of final written addresses on the interplay between Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution and Section 49 of the Terrorism Prevention Act.

Tukur Mamu challenges AGF’s ‘terrorist’ label in fundamental rights suit

Related Topics:fundamental rights terrorist Tukur Mamu

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Ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele Denies Allegations of Financing Terrorism

Published

5 hours ago

December 6, 2025

Trends Admin

Godwin Emefiele

Ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele Denies Allegations of Financing Terrorism

Former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, has strongly denied allegations linking him to terrorism financing in Nigeria, describing the claims as “mischievous and malicious.”

In a statement released on Saturday, December 6, 2025, Emefiele said the reports were “entirely fabricated, baseless, and a deliberate attempt to malign my name, mislead the public, and sow confusion for motives best known only to the publishers and their sponsors.”

He emphasized that the fight against terrorism is too important to be trivialized by irresponsible reporting, warning that Nigerians deserve accurate information rather than “reckless misinformation.”

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“Throughout my service to the nation and in my private life, at no time have I been involved in any activity remotely connected to terrorism, terrorist financing, or any action that threatens the peace and security of our nation,” Emefiele stated. He added that he has never been invited, questioned, or investigated regarding such allegations and has no connection to the individual cited in the media reports.

“There is no scintilla of truth in the allegation,” he said, urging the public to disregard the claims entirely and calling on media organizations to verify facts before publishing sensational stories.

Emefiele’s statement seeks to reaffirm his reputation and distances him from any activities undermining national security.

Ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele Denies Allegations of Financing Terrorism

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Shettima Inaugurates Multi-Million Naira Juma’at Mosque in Gumel

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5 hours ago

December 6, 2025

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Shettima Inaugurates Multi-Million Naira Juma’at Mosque in Gumel

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Friday inaugurated the newly constructed multi-million-naira Juma’at Mosque located within the Emir of Gumel’s Palace in Jigawa State.

According to a statement by Zainab Rabo, Senior Special Assistant on Media Affairs to Governor Umar Namadi, the event drew high-level dignitaries, including top politicians, first-class emirs, captains of industry, and prominent Islamic scholars from across the country.

Rabo disclosed that the mosque was built by the Kashim Shettima Foundation, adding that Governor Umar A. Namadi and the Sultan of Sokoto graced the ceremony.

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During the occasion, the Vice President congratulated the Emir of Gumel, Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed Sani, on marking 45 years on the throne, describing the milestone as a blessing and testament to exemplary leadership.

Shettima also reaffirmed his commitment—through his foundation—to initiatives that would improve the lives of Nigerians.

The Vice President further commended Governor Namadi for his notable strides in modern agriculture, noting that Jigawa’s progress under his leadership had positioned the state competitively within Nigeria and beyond.

“Governor Namadi is equal to the task, looking at his two-year achievements and the way he transformed Jigawa in modern agriculture,” Shettima stated.

Shettima Inaugurates Multi-Million Naira Juma’at Mosque in Gumel

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Police Launch Special Enforcement Team to Enforce Tinubu’s Ban on VIP Escorts

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5 hours ago

December 6, 2025

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Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun

Police Launch Special Enforcement Team to Enforce Tinubu’s Ban on VIP Escorts

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has deployed a Special Enforcement Team in Lagos to enforce President Bola Tinubu’s directive ending the use of police officers as escorts and guards for Very Important Persons (VIPs).

The operation, according to a statement posted on the Force’s official X account on Saturday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, commenced at about 10:00 a.m. on December 6, 2025, across key locations in Lagos State.

Hundeyin confirmed that the team carried out compliance checks at major points, including the Lekki–Ikoyi Link Bridge, the Murtala Muhammed International Airport domestic terminal, and other strategic hotspots within the state.

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He disclosed that officers found “satisfactory and commendable” compliance with the presidential directive, with no incidents of unauthorised police escort and no arrests recorded.

“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, reiterates the Force’s commitment to the full implementation of the presidential directive,” the statement said. “The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in redeploying its personnel to core policing duties aimed at enhancing general security, crime prevention, and the protection of lives and property nationwide.”

Hundeyin added that enforcement would continue across the country “without fear or favour,” urging Nigerians to support the push for a more professional and citizen-focused policing system.

President Tinubu had, on November 23, ordered the immediate withdrawal of police officers from VIP protection, directing that they be reassigned to frontline policing roles. According to the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, VIP protection will now be handled by armed operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The policy aims to free up police manpower for critical security operations, particularly in underserved communities, and enhance overall national security efficiency.