On Friday, the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, dismissed the bail applications filed by four suspects linked to notorious bandit kingpin Bello Turji.

Justice Emeka Nwite, in a ruling, held that the attorney general of the federation had made a compelling case against the defendants that releasing them would be a great threat to national security.

Mr Nwite agreed with the arguments of counsel for the AGF, David Kaswe, that though granting bail is at the court’s discretion, this decision must be exercised judicially and judiciously.

Mr Nwite, who granted an accelerated hearing of their trial, however, dismissed the bail plea.

The judge granted an ex parte motion moved by Mr Kaswe, seeking the protection of the witnesses as the trial commences immediately. Mr Kaswe, on February 10, had argued that the defendants, if granted bail, might abscond.

The lawyer submitted that there was contending evidence that the defendants played significant roles in the terrorist activities led by Mr Turji in the northern part of the country.

He said if granted bail, the defendants might interfere with the evidence.

The lawyer urged the court to take judicial notice that some other group members listed as defendants were still at large.

Delivering the ruling, Mr Nwite said he was not unmindful of the Constitution, which states that a person charged with a criminal offence is innocent until proven guilty.

The judge, however, said all facts had to be considered.

Mr Nwite had, on December 23, 2024, ordered the remand of the four suspected terrorists in Kuje Correctional Centre. The judge made the order after the defendants pleaded not guilty to the 11-count charge bordering on terrorism following their arraignment. Mr Nwite consequently adjourned the matter until February 10 for trial.

The four suspects (Musa Kamarawa, Abubakar Hashimu, aka Doctor, Samuel Chinedu, and Lucky Chukwuma) denied involvement.

Although eight defendants were listed, three of them, including Mr Turji, were at large.

However, shortly after the court registrar called the case, only four defendants were in court.

Mr Nwite then asked about the whereabouts of Bashir Abdullahi, who is the third defendant. Mr Kaswe told the court that Mr Abdullahi was also at large.

The lawyer, therefore, sought the leave of the court to enter “at large” for Mr Abdullahi, and the judge granted the oral application after the defence lawyers did not oppose it.

The government, through the office of the AGF, had filed the 11-count charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/633/2024 against the eight defendants, four of whom are at large.

(NAN)