A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has struck out terrorism-related charges against four defendants after repeated failure of the prosecution to diligently pursue the case, despite grave allegations linking the accused to arms procurement and logistical support for terrorist activities.
The defendants—Musa Kamarawa, Abubakar Hashimu, also known as Doctor, Samuel Chinedu and Lucky Chukwuma—were accused of financing and facilitating terrorism, including allegedly paying for a gun truck partly in cash and partly through electronic transfer, knowing or having reason to believe that the vehicle would be used by notorious terrorist leader, Kachalla Halilu, to carry out attacks.
According to one of the counts, the alleged acts contravened Section 18(a) of the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act 2013, which criminalises the provision of funds or assets intended for terrorist activities.
In another count, Kamarawa, Hashimu and Abdullahi were accused of aiding and abetting terrorism by providing material support—including medical treatment, wound care, medication and shelter—to Bello Turji, a notorious bandit leader, following an attack on Tungar Kolo Village in Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State in 2018. Prosecutors said the support was rendered after Turji sustained gunshot injuries during the attack. The charge was brought under Section 8(1)(b) of the same Act.
The suspects were arraigned on December 23, 2024, before Justice Nwite, where they pleaded not guilty to all charges. The court ordered their remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre and adjourned the matter to February 10, 2025, to hear pending applications, including requests for bail.
On March 14, 2025, the court dismissed the bail application, granted an order for witness protection and allowed the prosecution to open its case. The first prosecution witness, identified only as “ABC” for security reasons, testified in Hausa and told the court that Musa Kamarawa was his childhood friend. The witness narrated how Kachalla Halilu allegedly acquired a gun truck from the Niger Republic with Kamarawa’s assistance to carry out terrorist operations in Nigeria.
Justice Nwite adjourned proceedings to May 23 and May 26, 2025, for cross-examination and continuation of trial. However, the case could not proceed on both dates due to the absence of the lead prosecuting counsel, Kaswe, who reportedly travelled out of the country for an official assignment.
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The court subsequently fixed July 8, 2025, for continuation of trial. On that date, the prosecuting counsel was again absent. Defence lawyers then made an oral application urging the court to strike out the case for want of diligent prosecution.
Justice Nwite granted the application, effectively bringing the high-profile terrorism trial to an abrupt end, despite the serious nature of the allegations.
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