The Federal Government has obtained the nod of the Federal High Court of Nigeria in Abuja to proceed with the prosecution of five alleged associates of notorious bandit leader Bello Turji in their absence.
The approval was granted on Tuesday by Justice Emeka Nwite after an oral application was moved by David Kaswe, counsel representing the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF).
At the resumed hearing, Kaswe informed the court that despite an earlier bench warrant issued for the defendants’ arrest, security agencies had been unable to apprehend them.
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He noted that the suspects and their legal representatives had failed to appear in court for the third consecutive time.
Relying on Section 352(4) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, the prosecution urged the court to invoke the provision permitting trial in absentia.
Justice Nwite granted the request and adjourned proceedings until April 13 for continuation of trial
The bench warrant had earlier been issued on January 21 following the defendants’ repeated failure to attend court sessions. The matter had also previously been adjourned to February 24 due to their absence.
The five defendants Musa Muhammed Kamarawa, Abubakar Hashimu (also known as Doctor), Bashir Abdullahi, Samuel Chinedu and Lucky Chukwuma are standing trial on terrorism-related charges.
In December 2025, the court reinstated the case after it was earlier struck out for lack of diligent prosecution.
The Federal Government had filed an 11-count charge against eight individuals, including Turji, who remains at large.
Other defendants said to be on the run are Aminu Muhammad and Sani Lawal.
According to the charge, the accused allegedly supplied logistics and other forms of material support to terrorist groups operating in Zamfara, Sokoto and Kaduna States.
The prosecution claims they provided items such as illicit drugs, food supplies, military and police uniforms, building materials and other equipment to camps located in forest areas.
One of the counts alleges that in 2021, some of the defendants facilitated the purchase of a military-grade gun truck from Libya at a cost of about N28.5 million and delivered it to a known terrorist commander for use in attacks.
Another count accuses certain defendants of offering medical treatment and shelter to Turji following an attack on Tungar Kolo Village in Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The offences are said to contravene provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act 2013.
Four of the suspects were initially arraigned in December 2024 and pleaded not guilty. They were remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre pending the hearing of their bail applications.
In March 2025, the court declined their bail request, granted witness protection measures and heard testimony from the prosecution’s first witness, identified only as “ABC” for security reasons.
The witness linked one of the defendants to the procurement of a gun truck allegedly used in terrorist operations.
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Although the trial commenced, it suffered setbacks due to adjournments and the absence of the lead prosecuting counsel on earlier dates.
The case was eventually struck out in July 2025 for want of diligent prosecution before being relisted upon the Federal Government’s application.
With the latest ruling, proceedings will now continue even in the absence of the defendants.
