Abuja Court Moves Against Terror: 5 Suspects Tied to Bello Turji Wanted

Abuja, January 21, 2026 — The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of five suspects tied to notorious terrorism kingpin Bello Turji after they failed to appear for trial. The judge, Justice Emeka Nwite, acted on a motion by the Federal Government’s lawyer and ordered security agencies to arrest and bring the suspects before the court. The defendants are accused of providing material support to multiple terror networks across northern Nigeria. Read more.

Background: The Terrorism Charge and Its Reinstatement

The bench warrant stems from an 11-count terrorism charge filed on December 16, 2024, at the Federal High Court, Abuja. The case was filed by officials from the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation. It names eight defendants:

• Musa Muhammed Kamarawa
• Abubakar Hashimu (aka Doctor)
• Bashir Abdullahi
• Samuel Chinedu
• Lucky Chukwuma
• Bello Turji
• Aminu Muhammad
• Sani Lawal

Of these, four defendants were in custody while the others, including Turji, were at large when the case was filed. Initially, the prosecution’s case stalled. On July 8, 2025, defence lawyers successfully had the charge struck out due to lack of diligent prosecution. The judge agreed.

However, the Federal Government filed a motion to relist the case, arguing it had witnesses and sufficient evidence. On December 22, 2025, Justice Nwite reinstated the case, setting it down for January 21, 2026. Source. Read also Powerful Airstrikes Eliminate Over 50 Terrorists in Northern Nigeria

The Court Session That Triggered the Bench Warrant

On Wednesday, January 21, 2026, the terrorism case was scheduled for continuation. Prosecution and witnesses were present. None of the defendants appeared. The courtroom fell silent. Justice Nwite asked defence counsel A.M. Lukman about their absence. Lukman said he tried to reach the first defendant, Kamarawa, and believed they would appear. Yet none were present.

Federal Government counsel David Kaswe informed the court that prosecution staff and witnesses were ready. Kaswe requested the court to issue a bench warrant for the defendants’ immediate arrest. Read full report. You may have missed this news. Suicide Bomber Hits Military Convoy in Borno — 5 Soldiers Killed

Justice Nwite Grants the Bench Warrant

Justice Nwite agreed and granted the application. He issued a bench warrant instructing security agencies to arrest the suspects and bring them to court. The matter was adjourned to February 24, 2026, for continuation of trial. Court watchers noted that issuing a bench warrant in terrorism cases is rare and underscores the seriousness of the judiciary. See details.

Suspects Named in the Bench Warrant

According to reports, the suspects are:

• Musa Muhammed Kamarawa — 1st defendant
• Abubakar Hashimu (aka Doctor) — 2nd defendant
• Samuel Chinedu — 4th defendant
• Lucky Chukwuma — 5th defendant
• Bashir Abdullahi — also named in filings

Other defendants still at large include Bello Turji, Aminu Muhammad, and Sani Lawal.

What the Government Alleges

The defendants are accused of providing material support and logistical assistance to terrorist groups linked to Bello Turji. Alleged acts include:

• Supplying food items to terror camps
• Providing military uniforms, camouflage gear, boots, and caps
• Supplying building materials for terror camps
• Providing illicit drugs, including penta injections and cannabis
• Buying a military gun truck in Libya for ₦28.5 million and delivering it to terrorists
• Providing medical treatment and shelter to Turji after attacks in Zamfara State

These allegations fall under the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act, 2013.

Defence Pleas and Denials

At arraignment on December 23, 2024, the defendants pleaded not guilty. They were remanded to Kuje Correctional Centre. Bail applications were dismissed on March 14, 2025, and prosecution witnesses were protected. Several hearings in May 2025 failed due to prosecutor absence, leading to initial delays. The government later reactivated the case.

Why This Matters

1. Judicial Frustration With Absences

Repeated absences stall high-profile cases. The bench warrant shows the court will not tolerate delays in national security matters.

2. Government Resolve

The Federal Government demonstrates determination to prosecute terror suspects. Reinstating the case shows its commitment.

3. Security Implications

Bello Turji’s network is linked to banditry and kidnapping in Zamfara, Sokoto, and neighbouring states. Pursuing his support network aims to reduce terror activities.

4. Legal Precedent

The case may set a precedent for handling absent defendants in terrorism trials, especially when evidence and witnesses are ready.

Security and Law Enforcement Response

Security agencies are expected to locate and arrest the suspects. The Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Police Force, and other agencies will cooperate. No arrests have been officially reported yet. The warrant grants legal authority to pursue suspects actively.

Next Hearing

The trial resumes on February 24, 2026. The court will expect defendants to appear, prosecution to continue, and evidence to be presented. If absent, further enforcement actions may follow.

Conclusion

On January 21, 2026, in Abuja, the Federal High Court issued a bench warrant for five suspects tied to terrorist kingpin Bello Turji. The suspects failed to attend court when the terrorism case resumed. The trial is adjourned to February 24, 2026. This marks a major escalation in Nigeria’s efforts to prosecute terror suspects and dismantle support networks. Full story.

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