KEY POINTS
- Mamu allegedly received N50 million from terrorists.
- Voice notes show instructions for websites and PA systems.
- DSS recovered cash, cars, and electronic devices from Mamu.
A Department of State Services (DSS) investigator told the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday that Tukur Mamu allegedly coordinated activities with the 2022 Abuja-Kaduna train abductors.
The operative, the 6th prosecution witness, said Mamu was offered N50 million by Shugaba, the terrorist leader, and was asked to teach the group how to run websites for their operations.
Voice notes reveal mamu’s alleged role in train terror
The DSS witness said voice notes extracted from Mamu’s mobile devices showed him arranging ransom payments. The recordings included messages from Shugaba and his spokesperson, Baba Adamu.
“In the first voice note, the defendant fixed a date for ransom delivery,” the witness said. “Shugaba also instructed Mamu to take N50 million for personal use.”
The operative added that the terrorists asked Mamu to procure public address systems and speakers for their preaching activities. The defendant allegedly facilitated ransom discussions with hostage families instead of the government-appointed committee.
Mamu was arrested in Egypt and returned to Nigeria, where investigators recovered his Samsung tablet and two phones. The DSS conducted forensic analysis on the devices, confirming communications with the terrorist group.
Recovered assets and communications strengthen case against mamu
The court heard that Mamu directed his in-law, Mubarak Tinja, to move valuables from his Kaduna home to avoid seizure. Investigators later recovered about $300,000 and seven vehicles, including Toyota, Lexus, Mercedes, and Hyundai models.
The DSS witness also noted that Mamu admitted owning a pump-action gun, which had an expired license since December 2021. Victim statements were admitted in court after the two witnesses declined to appear due to trauma.
Prosecutors submitted eight statements from Mamu and video recordings of statement-writing sessions into evidence. The court also admitted the extracted voice notes, played for the judge and marked as exhibits.
Justice Umar adjourned the trial until November 26 for continuation.
