An investigator with the Department of State Services (DSS) on Wednesday told the Federal High Court in Abuja that alleged terrorist negotiator, Mr. Tukur Mamu, betrayed the Federal Government committee set up to secure the release of victims of the Abuja-Kaduna train attack in 2022.
The DSS operative, testifying as the sixth prosecution witness (PW-6) before Justice Mohammed Umar, said Mamu acted in his own interest after being accepted as the sole intermediary between the government and the terrorists.
The witness, who testified behind a screen for security reasons, identified Mamu and provided details of his involvement.
Background of the Attack and Negotiation Efforts
On March 28, 2022, terrorists attacked a Kaduna-bound train, killing several passengers, injuring many, and abducting more than 60 people.
A government-backed committee, supervised by the then Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor (rtd.), was mandated to negotiate the release of the captives.
The terrorists demanded the release of detained family members in exchange for hostages.
When asked to select trusted mediators, the terrorists suggested several names. All declined except Tukur Mamu, who agreed to negotiate on their behalf.
How Mamu Became Sole Negotiator
Initially, communication with the terrorists was done by both the government committee and Mamu. However, the witness said Mamu objected to multiple communication channels and advised the terrorists to appoint a single negotiator—himself.
“After that, the terrorists stopped responding to the committee unless it was through the defendant,” the witness testified.
Alleged Betrayal and Financial Transactions
The DSS witness said the committee agreed to a prisoner swap, prioritising women, children, and the sick, in exchange for 30–32 hostages. However, on the day of the exchange, only 11 hostages were released.
“The committee felt betrayed and believed that the defendant undermined the process for personal gain,” the witness said.
Further accusations include:
Mamu allegedly influenced the terrorists to demand €1 billion for the remaining hostages.
He advised the terrorists to negotiate directly with families when the government did not accede to the demand.
Families who could raise the ransom allegedly handed money to Mamu, who packaged and delivered it to the terrorists.
Ransoms reportedly ranged up to ₦100 million per victim, with lower payments negotiated by Mamu for some families.
Mamu is also accused of delivering personal items, including rings and a handwritten note, to the terrorists.
Evidence Tended in Court
Justice Umar admitted several items into evidence, including:
Interim report of the defence committee
Photocopies of newspaper articles from Desert Herald
Photographs of rings and a folded note
Certificates of compliance
Earlier, another witness (PW-5), a DSS exhibit officer, testified and listed items allegedly seized from Mamu, including:
$300,000, ₦25,690,500, and various foreign currencies
A pump-action rifle (Delta Magnum) and 47 cartridges
Two mobile phones and a Samsung tablet
Seven vehicles, including Toyota Camry, Honda CRV, Mercedes-Benz E350, Lexus 250, Hyundai Equus, Peugeot 508 and 5008
Next Steps
The prosecution requested an adjournment to present audio recordings of Mamu’s alleged conversations with terrorists.
Justice Umar adjourned the hearing to November 25 and 26 for continuation of the trial.
