The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled January 27, 2027, for the delivery of its judgment in the case against Tukur Mamu, who is accused of financing terrorism related to the 2022 Abuja-Kaduna train attack. This decision follows the conclusion of final arguments from both the prosecution and the defense during a session on Monday.

Mamu, who was apprehended on September 7, 2022, at Cairo International Airport, is facing a total of 17 charges, including terrorism financing, unlawful possession of firearms, and money laundering. The prosecution, represented by David Kaswe, argued that Mamu provided support to the Boko Haram terrorist group and received substantial ransom payments from families of hostages taken during the train attack.

In the hearing, the defense lawyer, Johnson Usman, SAN, contended that the prosecution had not sufficiently proven its case, particularly regarding the alleged possession of a firearm without a valid license. Usman highlighted that the defense had repeatedly requested the production of the firearm's license, which he claimed had not been presented in court. He argued that the absence of this document raised significant doubts about the prosecution's case.

Justice Mohammed Umar, presiding over the case, questioned the defense's assertion regarding the license, prompting Usman to clarify that they believed the license had not expired at the time of Mamu's arrest. Usman further emphasized that without the license, the prosecution's claims about the firearm's legality were unfounded.

On the other hand, Kaswe maintained that the license had been properly submitted as evidence during the trial. He urged the court to convict Mamu based on the evidence presented, asserting that the prosecution had fulfilled its burden of proof.

Mamu's legal troubles stem from his alleged role as a negotiator for the families of hostages during the Abuja-Kaduna train attack, where he is accused of obstructing government efforts to secure the release of the victims. The prosecution claims he instigated the Boko Haram group to boycott negotiations led by the Chief of Defence Staff, thereby complicating the rescue efforts.

In addition to the terrorism-related charges, Mamu faces accusations of dealing in foreign currencies linked to terrorist activities, including Indian Rupees, Egyptian Pounds, and UAE Dirhams. He is also charged with possessing ammunition without the necessary permits.

As the court prepares to deliver its judgment in January, the case has drawn significant public attention, reflecting ongoing concerns about terrorism and security in Nigeria. Mamu remains the sole defendant in this high-profile trial, which has been marked by intense legal arguments and public scrutiny.