A Department of State Services (DSS) witness on Tuesday alleged that Tukur Mamu, the man widely known for his role in negotiating with terrorists during the Abuja–Kaduna train attack of 2022, received ₦50 million from the leader of the kidnappers.
Testifying in the ongoing terrorism trial at the Federal High Court, the witness claimed the payment came from a figure identified as “Shugaba,” who reportedly oversaw the abduction operation. According to the DSS, Mamu was not only involved in facilitating ransom payments from families of victims, but also interfered with the efforts of the Chief of Defence Staff’s negotiation committee established by the federal government.
The court further heard that the terror group requested Mamu’s assistance in creating a website to support their activities. The claims were presented through audio recordings taken while Mamu was interrogated in Egypt, prior to his extradition to Nigeria.
Mamu faces multiple terrorism-related charges, including handling terror-linked funds and exchanging voice messages with a Boko Haram spokesperson. The DSS maintains that he advised the kidnappers to bypass government negotiators and deal directly with hostage families.
In response, Mamu has initiated legal action against the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), contesting his designation as a terrorist. He argues that the label violates his fundamental rights and undermines the constitutional presumption of innocence while his case is ongoing.
The trial was adjourned to February 23, 2026, to allow both prosecution and defence to file their final addresses in line with Section 49 of the Terrorism Act and Section 36 of the Nigerian Constitution.