Court Adjourns Mamu’s Challenge to ‘Terrorist’ Tag to April 23

The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the hearing of a fundamental rights suit filed by alleged terrorist negotiator, Tukur Mamu, challenging his designation as a “terrorist” by the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF). The matter has been fixed for April 23, 2026, for the adoption of final written addresses.

Mamu, who is currently facing terrorism charges, argued that the AGF’s declaration of him as a terrorist while his trial is ongoing violates Section 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.

His lead counsel, Johnson Usman, SAN, contended that only a court of law can designate a person a terrorist following conviction and sentencing, describing the AGF’s action as unlawful. “It is the court that has the power to designate him as a terrorist after he must have been convicted and sentenced,” Usman submitted before Justice Mohammed Umar.

On the other hand, the AGF’s lawyer, David Kaswe, urged the court to dismiss the suit, citing Sections 49 and 50 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, which empower the AGF, acting on recommendations from the Sanction Committee, to designate any individual reasonably suspected of involvement in terrorism.

Justice Umar raised concerns about the implications of the designation if Mamu is eventually acquitted. Kaswe assured the court that the Sanction Committee has the authority to review and revoke such designations.

The court adjourned the matter to allow both parties to adopt their final written addresses.