Tukur Mamu, a former terrorist negotiator, on Tuesday, pleaded not guilty to a 10-count charge bordering on terrorism financing, among others preferred against him by the federal government.

The office of the attorney-general of the federation, on behalf of the federal government, arraigned Mr Mamu before Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court. 

He denied having allegiance to the terrorists.

Justice Nkeonye Maha of a sister court on September 13, 2022, gave the State Security Service the go-ahead to detain the former terrorists’ negotiator for 60 days to enable it to conclude its investigation on Mr Mamu, who led the negotiation with the terrorists for the release of the Abuja-Kaduna train passengers kidnapped in March 2022.

The director of public prosecution of the federation, M.B. Abubakar, signed the charge.

Mr Mamu was accused of receiving $120,000 ransom payments on behalf of the Boko haram terrorist group from families of hostages (victims) of the Abuja-Kaduna train attack.

The federal government said the offence contravenes section 21 (3) (a) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

The attorney general also alleged that Mr Mamu, sometime in 2022 in Kaduna, received ransom payments of N5OO,000 on behalf of Boko haram from families of hostages (victims) of the Abuja-Kaduna train attack.

Mr Mamu was also accused of exchanging voice note communications concerning acts of terrorism with Baba Adamu, a Boko Haram spokesperson.

Mr Mamu dealT in terrorist funds of $300,000 found in his possession, said the government.

(NAN)