Tukur Mamu Sues AGF Over ‘Terrorist’ Label Amid Ongoing Trial
Alleged terrorist negotiator Tukur Mamu has filed a fundamental rights suit against the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), challenging the government’s decision to label him a terrorist while his trial is still ongoing.
Mamu’s lawyer, Johnson Usman (SAN), told Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court, Abuja, that the AGF’s action breaches Section 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution, which presumes a defendant innocent until proven guilty.
He presented media publications referring to Mamu as a terrorist as evidence in support of the suit.
Usman argued that while the Federal Government has charged Mamu with terrorism offences, it was wrong to designate him a terrorist before a conviction.
He added that a request to the AGF to reverse the designation was ignored and claimed the government’s counter-affidavit “admitted the allegation.”
“It is legally, morally, and religiously wrong to call Mamu a terrorist while he has not been convicted,” Usman said.
“Only the court has the power to designate someone a terrorist after conviction. My client deserves damages to show that a person undergoing trial cannot be arbitrarily labelled a terrorist.”
The AGF’s lawyer, David Kaswe, opposed the suit, arguing that the AGF acted within the law.
He cited Sections 49 and 50 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022, which he said give the AGF authority to designate anyone as a terrorist. Section 49 allows the Sanction Committee to recommend designation if there are reasonable grounds to suspect a person of terrorism.
Justice Umar questioned Kaswe on the legality of labelling someone a terrorist while on trial.
“If the court ultimately finds him not guilty, what happens to the designation?” the judge asked. Kaswe replied that the committee meets quarterly and can review such decisions.
Usman countered that relying on Section 49 conflicts with Section 36 of the Constitution, noting that Mamu was charged in 2023 but designated a terrorist in 2024.
He argued that using the Act to designate someone already on trial is unlawful and should be declared null.
The judge asked Kaswe to address the alleged conflict between Section 49 and the Constitution. Kaswe maintained that the Sanction Committee acted properly, stressing that Mamu is a designated terrorist, not a convicted one.
Justice Umar adjourned the case to February 23, 2026, for the adoption of final written addresses.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
