Federal High Court Issues Bench Warrant For Suspects Linked To Infamous Terrorist Kingpin Bello Turji

Abuja, Nigeria – The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday, Justice Emeka Nwite issued bench warrants for the arrest of five suspects connected to the notorious terrorist kingpin, Bello Turji.

The suspects, who failed to appear in court, are now officially at large and facing intensified scrutiny from Nigerian authorities.

The bench warrant followed an oral application by David Kaswe, counsel to the Federal Government, after Musa Kamarawa, Abubakar Hashimu (a.k.a. Doctor), Samuel Chinedu, and Lucky Chukwuma were absent when their terrorism trial resumed.

When Justice Nwite inquired about the whereabouts of the defendants, their lawyer, A.M. Lukman, expressed surprise at their absence, revealing he had last contacted Kamarawa, who had assured him of his appearance.

Kaswe informed the court that the prosecution had appeared with their witnesses as promised, prompting the judge to grant the bench warrant.

Justice Nwite subsequently adjourned the case until February 24, 2026, for the continuation of the trial.

The ruling follows the Federal Government’s successful application in December 2025 to reopen terrorism charges against the five suspects.

The charges had previously been struck out on July 8, 2025, due to what the court described as a lack of diligent prosecution. The new filing reinstates the case marked FHC/ABJ/CR/633/2024.

The terrorism charges stem from an 11-count indictment filed by the Attorney General of the Federation, targeting eight individuals, including Bello Turji, who remains at large.

The other defendants are accused of providing material support to terrorist groups led by Turji and other notorious bandits, including Kachalla Halilu, Danbokolo, Lawali, Atarwatse, and Buderi.

However, the suspects allegedly supplied illicit drugs, including penta injections and cannabis; military and police uniforms; camouflage gear; boots; food items; and building materials to terrorist camps in Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kaduna States.

Evidence also alleges the purchase and transfer of a military gun truck from Libya in 2021 to Kachalla Halilu for use in terrorist activities.

The transaction, valued at approximately N28.5 million, was partly paid in cash and via electronic transfer.

In another count, the suspects are accused of providing medical treatment to Turji after a violent attack on Tungar Kolo Village in Zurmi L.G.A., Zamfara State, in 2018. These acts, according to the prosecution, contravene Sections 8(1)(b), 17, and 18(a) of the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act 2013.

During previous court proceedings, four of the suspects denied any involvement in terrorist activities.

Despite this, the court had remanded them to Kuje Correctional Centre pending further trial, while also rejecting multiple bail applications.

The prosecution’s case began on March 14, 2025, with a key witness, identified only as “ABC” for security reasons, testifying in Hausa and linking Kamarawa to terrorist operations involving Kachalla Halilu.

The trial has faced repeated delays. Scheduled hearings in May 2025 were postponed due to the absence of lead counsel Kaswe, who was engaged abroad, and the case was temporarily struck out in July 2025.