Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected bail applications from four suspects allegedly connected to the infamous bandit leader Bello Turji. In his ruling, Justice Nwite sided with the prosecution, led by the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), which argued that releasing the defendants would pose a significant risk to Nigeria’s national security.
The judge acknowledged that while the decision to grant bail lies within the court’s discretion, it must be exercised with careful judgment. Agreeing with David Kaswe, counsel to the AGF, Justice Nwite emphasized that the prosecution presented a compelling case against the suspects. Despite dismissing their bail requests, he ordered an expedited trial to ensure swift proceedings. Additionally, he approved an ex-parte motion by Kaswe to protect prosecution witnesses as the trial begins immediately.
During a February 10 hearing, the prosecution argued that the defendants, if released on bail, might flee or tamper with evidence. Kaswe highlighted their alleged significant roles in terrorism activities orchestrated by Bello Turji in northern Nigeria. “There is contending evidence that the defendants played significant roles in the terrorism activities led by Bello Turji,” he stated, warning that their release could jeopardize the case. He further noted that bail is not an absolute right, especially in matters affecting national security, urging the court to consider the gravity of the charges, the potential punishment, and the strength of the evidence.
Kaswe also pointed out that other members of the group, including Turji himself—the sixth defendant—remain at large. “Chief among them is Bello Turji, who continues to cause mayhem and havoc to innocent Nigerians and has become a threat to national security,” he said, pressing the court to take judicial notice of this ongoing danger.
In his ruling, Justice Nwite acknowledged the constitutional presumption of innocence until proven guilty but stressed that all factors must be weighed. He concluded that the prosecution’s arguments, coupled with the serious nature of the terrorism charges, justified denying bail. The decision underscores the court’s prioritization of national security as the trial moves forward.
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