Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Umar Audu
Published on 2024-03-26 14:15:24
The publisher of Desert Herald, a Kaduna-based newspaper, Tukur Mamu, is demanding the retraction of his designation as a ‘terrorist financier’ by the Nigerian government. In a letter addressed to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, Mamu’s lawyer described the government’s actions as prejudiced and a violation of natural justice. Mamu has been in the custody of the State Security Service since September 2022 on allegations of sponsoring terrorism in the country.
On March 18, the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) named Mamu, along with 15 others, as terrorism financers. Mamu, who was the self-appointed negotiator for the release of abducted Abuja-Kaduna train passengers, emphasized in the letter that no court has declared him guilty of terrorism financing. He urged the government to retract the allegations within seven days or face legal action.
The letter highlighted Mamu’s ongoing trial before the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, and criticized the Nigerian Sanctions Committee’s publication designating him as a terrorist financier while the case is still pending. The letter argued that the committee lacked the statutory mandate to make such a designation, as it undermines the rule of law and mocks the Nigerian judicial system.
The lawyer condemned the committee’s actions as a violation of natural justice and emphasized Mamu’s right to the presumption of innocence. The letter demanded the immediate retraction of the publication within seven days, warning of legal action if the demand is not met. Mamu’s legal team expressed concern over the government’s conflicting roles as the complainant, prosecutor, and assumingly adjudicatory authority in the case.
The letter reiterated that Mamu’s reputation has been tarnished by the government’s actions and that the administration of justice in Nigeria prohibits media trials. It criticized the government for overstepping its boundaries and encroaching on the court’s authority. The lawyer emphasized the need for adherence to legal procedures and respect for the principle of innocent until proven guilty.
Overall, the letter called for a correction of the wrongful designation of Mamu as a terrorist financier and urged the government to abide by the rule of law. It emphasized the importance of upholding constitutional rights and ensuring fair and just legal proceedings. Mamu’s legal team made it clear that they would not hesitate to pursue legal redress if the government fails to retract the allegations within the stipulated timeline.
Read the original article on DailyNigerian.com
