How Mamu got N50m from Kaduna train attack ransom – DSS witness

A witness for the Department of State Services (DSS) has told a Federal High Court that alleged terrorist negotiator, Tukur Mamu, reportedly received N50 million from ‘Shugaba’, the leader of the group behind the 2022 Abuja–Kaduna train attack and mass abduction.

Mamu is currently standing trial on multiple terrorism-related counts. The charges accuse him of receiving ransom payments from families of victims of the March 28, 2022, train attack; engaging in transactions linked to terrorist financing; obstructing the committee set up by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) to negotiate with the attackers; and exchanging voice notes with the Boko Haram spokesperson, among other allegations.

During Tuesday’s proceedings, the sixth prosecution witness from the DSS told the court that the group holding the train passengers also requested that Mamu teach them how to create a website for their operations.

The court also heard that the DSS previously alleged that Mamu had advised the group to bypass the government’s negotiation panel and instead deal directly with relatives of abducted victims.

The witness, who interpreted audio recordings of Mamu’s interrogation in Egypt prior to his repatriation, provided further context to the claims.

Meanwhile, Mamu has filed a suit against the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), seeking to overturn his designation as a “terrorist.”

He argues that the label violates his fundamental rights, especially since he is still on trial and presumed innocent.

The matter was adjourned until February 23, 2026, for the adoption of final written addresses on issues relating to Section 49 of the Act and Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution.