Thelma Osatohanmwen
In a recent development at the Federal High Court in Abuja, former terrorist negotiator Tukur Mamu has been granted access to his doctor under the supervision of the Department of State Services (DSS) amid legal battle.
Mamu, seeking medical attention due to deteriorating health conditions, filed a motion on notice (FHC/ABJ/CR/96/2023) requesting permission for medical access and surgical procedures recommended by his Egyptian and Nigerian doctors.
The Federal Government, represented by lawyer David Kaswe, opposed Mamu’s application, arguing that the DSS possesses a functional medical facility with a team of capable doctors.
Kaswe urged the court not to grant Mamu’s request, emphasizing the circumstances of the charges against him.
During the ruling on Tuesday, Justice Inyang Ekwo questioned Kaswe about Mamu’s entitlement to his physician.
Kaswe acknowledged Mamu’s entitlement to medical care under the supervision of the government’s medical team.
Justice Ekwo, considering Mamu’s health concerns, ordered that Mamu’s doctor be allowed to administer treatment, emphasizing that it should be under the supervision of the DSS’s medical team.
The court further adjourned the matter until February 26, 27, and 28, 2024, for the continuation of the trial.
Tukur Mamu had been apprehended at the Aminu Kano International Airport in North-west Nigeria on September 6, 2022, upon returning from Egypt.
His arrest was related to alleged connections with terrorists responsible for the Abuja-Kaduna train attack on March 28, 2022.
The DSS subsequently arraigned Mamu on March 21, 2023, on ten counts, including terrorism financing, to which he pleaded not guilty.