In a recent development, the Federal High Court in Abuja has granted Tukur Mamu’s plea for access to his personal physician due to alleged deteriorating health conditions. Justice Inyang Ekwo ruled that Mr. Mamu’s medical doctor should be allowed to treat him, with supervision from the State Security Service (SSS) team of physicians.
During the proceedings, Mamu’s counsel, Johnson Usman, SAN, argued for his client’s right to have access to a personal physician. The Chief State Counsel from the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) office, David Kaswe, acknowledged Mamu’s entitlement to his own doctor, as long as it is within the supervision of the SSS medical team.
Tukur Mamu is currently standing trial over his alleged involvement with terrorists in the March 28, 2022 attack on a Kaduna-bound train. He was arrested on September 6, 2022, by Interpol in Cairo, Egypt, on behalf of the Nigerian government.
Earlier, on March 21, Mamu was arraigned on 10 counts of terrorism financing, among other charges, and he pleaded not guilty. Despite a bail application on grounds of ill-health, the judge declined to grant him bail on April 27, following opposition from the Department of State Services (DSS).
In a motion on notice dated October 31, Mamu, through his lawyer, sought the court’s order to have access to his personal doctor. The court acknowledged the receipt of the application, and Kaswe filed a counter affidavit on November 14 to oppose it, citing the functional medical facility and medical team at the SSS’s disposal.
The court, after considering Mamu’s second prayer seeking a surgical procedure as recommended by both Egyptian and Nigerian doctors, ruled in favor of granting him access to his personal physicians. Justice Ekwo emphasized that the medical treatment would be under the supervision of the prosecution.
The trial is scheduled to continue on February 26, 27, and 28, 2024. Mamu’s defense counsel, Johnson Usman, expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision, noting it as a step forward. On the other hand, David Kaswe, representing the Federal Government, clarified that Mamu’s ailment is not life-threatening and reiterated the availability of medical services in the detention facility.
