A Division of State Providers (DSS) investigator on Tuesday advised a federal excessive courtroom in Abuja that Tukur Mamu, writer of Desert Herald, acquired N50 million from ransom paid by households of victims of the 2022 Abuja–Kaduna prepare assault.
Testifying because the sixth prosecution witness (PW6), the officer stated 4 voice notes extracted from Mamu’s cellular units after his arrest in Egypt revealed conversations between him and the terrorist group that kidnapped the passengers.
The recordings, performed in open courtroom, included a message from the group’s chief, referred to as Shugaba, who “appreciated the defendant’s effort” and instructed him to “take away N50 million for his private use” from a tranche of ransom cash. One other voice notice featured the group’s spokesperson, Baba Adamu, asking Mamu to obtain audio system and a public deal with system “for his or her preaching actions.” The witness stated Mamu agreed to contemplate the request and likewise mentioned serving to the group construct a web site.
Searches and seizures
The investigator stated that after Mamu was intercepted in Egypt, the defendant contacted his in-law, Mubarak Tinja, and directed him to maneuver money, automobiles and different valuables from his Kaduna house “to keep away from detection by safety brokers.”
Following his extradition, DSS operatives executed search warrants on his house and workplace, recovering money in numerous currencies and a number of automobiles. Some property had already been moved consistent with Mamu’s directions, the witness stated.
Investigators later traced roughly $300,000 and 7 automobiles — together with a Toyota Camry “Muscle,” Peugeot 5008, Lexus, Mercedes E350 and a Hyundai — whose paperwork had been tendered and admitted in proof. Mamu additionally voluntarily handed over his Samsung pill and two telephones for forensic evaluation.
The witness advised the courtroom that Mamu admitted speaking with the terrorists by means of voice notes and acknowledged directing his in-law to relocate his valuables. He additionally confirmed proudly owning a pump-action gun present in his house, although its licence had expired months earlier than his arrest.
Voice notes, victims’ statements admitted
The extracted audio information had been tendered on compact discs and a flash drive. Mamu’s counsel, Johnson Usman, reserved objections till the ultimate deal with, and the courtroom admitted the displays. Eight statements made by Mamu throughout interrogation, in addition to video recordings, had been additionally admitted.
The witness stated two kidnap victims submitted written accounts of their ordeals however refused to testify in individual “due to worry and trauma.” Their English and Hausa statements had been admitted with out objection.
“Way of life modified throughout negotiations”
On the continuation of the trial on Wednesday, the DSS witness stated investigators concluded that Mamu “was residing approach above his means” whereas serving as a go-between throughout ransom negotiations in 2022. He stated the defendant’s way of life “out of the blue modified,” noting that Mamu sponsored 4 relations on a visit to Egypt and acquired two new vehicles throughout that interval.
He additionally accused Mamu of sidelining the federal authorities’s negotiation committee led by the chief of defence employees, encouraging terrorists to deal instantly with victims’ households and benefiting financially from ransom funds.
Below cross-examination, the witness stated he had by no means travelled outdoors Nigeria, had not examined Mamu’s passport and was unaware of any DSS invitation or “wished” discover issued earlier than Mamu’s arrest. He additionally confirmed he didn’t know the defendant’s internet price.
Justice Mohammed Umar adjourned the case to January 29, 2026, for continuation of trial.
