The Nigerian government on Monday re-arraigned Tukur Mamu, a prominent figure who acted as an intermediary during negotiations following the 2022 Abuja-Kaduna train attack, on an expanded terrorism-related indictment containing 17 charges.
Appearing before the Federal High Court in Abuja, Mamu pleaded not guilty to all allegations after prosecutors amended the original charges to include additional terrorism, money laundering, and firearms-related offences.
The revised indictment broadens the government's case beyond the initial terrorism financing allegations filed after Mamu's arrest in September 2022.
According to prosecutors, the new charges include accusations of providing support to the extremist group Boko Haram, receiving ransom payments on behalf of the group, obstructing official government negotiations, laundering funds, and illegally possessing firearms and ammunition.
Government lawyers told the court that the amended charges were based on evidence already presented during the trial and sought permission for the defendant to enter a fresh plea.
Mamu's legal team did not oppose the amendment, and the court proceeded with the re-arraignment.
Allegations Linked to 2022 Train Attack
One of the key allegations accuses Mamu of influencing Boko Haram members to reject engagement with a government-appointed committee established to negotiate the release of passengers abducted during the March 2022 Abuja-Kaduna train attack.
Prosecutors further allege that he received ransom payments from families of hostages and maintained communications with individuals linked to terrorist activities.
The government also claims that significant amounts of foreign and local currency, allegedly connected to terrorism financing, were found in his possession.
Additional counts relate to alleged money laundering offences and the unlawful possession of a pump-action firearm and ammunition without valid authorization.
Trial Continues
Mamu previously opened his defence after the prosecution concluded its case, during which seven witnesses testified.
Following Monday's proceedings and the commencement of further cross-examination, the court adjourned the case until June 8 for continuation of the trial.
The case remains one of Nigeria's most closely watched terrorism prosecutions because of its connection to the deadly Abuja-Kaduna train attack, an incident that drew international attention and intensified concerns about security and extremist violence in the country.
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