The Federal High Court in Abuja has heard fresh details on how detained terrorist negotiator, Tukur Mamu, allegedly received ₦50 million from the leader of a terrorist group as part of ransom dealings.
A Department of State Services (DSS) officer, testifying as the sixth prosecution witness, told the court that an audio file extracted from Mamu’s device revealed a conversation where the terrorist leader, known as Shugaba, thanked Mamu for his efforts and instructed him to “remove ₦50 million” for himself from a ransom he was meant to deliver.
The witness said the audio files — mostly in Hausa — were recovered from Mamu’s Samsung tablet and two mobile phones, which he submitted to the DSS after being arrested in Egypt on September 7, 2022, following suspicion of financing Boko Haram activities.
Investigators also recovered foreign and local currencies, seven cars, and other valuables from his Kaduna residence after he allegedly instructed his in-law, Mubarak Tinja, to move the items to avoid detection.
The DSS officer told the court that the devices contained voice notes where terrorists asked Mamu to teach them how to build a website, and another where they requested public address systems for their preaching activities.
He added that Mamu admitted during interrogation that he communicated with the terrorists, facilitated ransom discussions with families of hostages from the Abuja–Kaduna train attack, and directed his in-law to relocate his belongings.
The witness further stated that the licence for a pump-action gun recovered from Mamu’s house had expired nine months before his arrest.
Two kidnap victims had earlier provided written statements to investigators but reportedly refused to testify in court due to trauma and fear.
The prosecution tendered several exhibits, including car documents, recorded voice notes, and Mamu’s written statements, all of which were admitted by the court.
The case continues on Wednesday at 11am, as the prosecution plans to apply for a court visit to the storage location of the recovered items.
