Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Abuja — The Federal High Court in Abuja has taken decisive action in an unfolding terrorism prosecution by issuing bench warrants for the arrest of five individuals accused of providing material support to one of Nigeria’s most notorious terrorist figures, Bello Turji. The development marks a significant moment in legal proceedings that have been marked by delays and repeated absences from court by key defendants.
On Wednesday, Justice Emeka Nwite granted the bench warrant application following an oral request by counsel to the Federal Government, David Kaswe. The judge’s decision came after the defendants failed to appear in court for the scheduled continuation of their trial, prompting concerns among prosecutors about the integrity and progress of the proceedings.
When the case was called, none of the five named defendants was present. Counsel for the defence informed the court that attempts had been made to reach the accused, including a promise from the first defendant to attend, but none ultimately appeared. In response, the Federal Government’s legal team urged the court to issue arrest warrants to compel their presence, stressing that witnesses were already on hand and ready to testify. The bench warrants were issued as requested, and the matter was adjourned to February 24, 2026, for the continuation of the trial.
The charges against the suspects — originally filed in December 2024 — include a range of serious allegations tied to terrorism and material assistance to extremist actors. Involving eight defendants in total, the federal government’s 11-count terrorism charge alleges that the individuals aided and abetted the activities of Turji and allied figures by supplying resources, equipment, and logistical support to terror cells operating across northwestern states including Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kaduna.
Among the accusations are the procurement and distribution of illicit drugs such as penta injections and cannabis, the provision of foodstuffs and clothing, and the supply of military and police uniforms, camouflage gear, boots, caps, and building materials — including cement, iron rods, and zinc sheets — to terror outposts hidden within forested regions. Prosecutors argue that these material contributions directly facilitated the capacity of the groups to sustain violent operations.
One of the more damning counts alleges that some defendants were involved in sourcing and supplying a military gun truck from Libya in 2021, which was subsequently transferred to an associate terrorist leader for use in attacks in Sokoto State. The prosecution says the vehicle was acquired at a cost of approximately ₦28.5 million, with portions paid in cash and via electronic transfer, fully aware that it would be utilised for violent acts.
The case has faced several procedural setbacks. In July 2025, the trial was temporarily struck out by the same court after defence counsel argued that the prosecution had failed to pursue the matter with due diligence. In response, the Attorney-General of the Federation filed a motion seeking the reinstatement of the charges, which was granted in December 2025, effectively reviving the proceedings and scheduling further hearings.
Not all defendants remain in custody or within reach of Nigerian authorities. Bello Turji himself — widely regarded as one of the most wanted bandit and insurgent leaders in the northwest — remains at large, alongside two other co-accused. While the five suspects subject to the bench warrants were initially arraigned and remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre, their continued absence in court has now elevated the matter to one involving direct judicial orders for their arrest.
Prosecutors allege that the defendants knowingly provided material support that sustained terrorist groups beyond Turji’s faction, encompassing other leaders such as Kachalla Halilu, Danbokolo, Lawali, Atarwatse, and Buderi. These networks have been implicated in a series of violent raids, kidnappings, and attacks that have destabilised communities throughout northwestern Nigeria.
Legal experts note that issuing bench warrants in terrorism cases reflects the judiciary’s commitment to ensuring accountability and the rule of law, particularly when defendants repeatedly default on court appearances. Under Nigerian law, failing to appear when legally required can lead to enforced arrest to prevent further obstruction of justice. These warrants empower law enforcement agencies to detain the absconding suspects and bring them before the court to face the substantive charges against them.
The adjournment to February 24 is expected to provide prosecution and defence teams with an opportunity to advance the trial, although observers caution that enforcement of the bench warrants will be critical to meaningful progress. The Federal Government has previously emphasised its resolve to prosecute terrorism cases with urgency and thoroughness, even as it grapples with ongoing security challenges across multiple theatres.
Bello Turji’s notoriety stems from his long-standing leadership of heavily armed bandit gangs that have terrorised villages, targeted security forces, and engaged in large-scale criminality across Nigeria’s northwest for years. His ability to evade capture has frustrated security operations and made him a symbol of the entrenched instability in the region. The inclusion of his name in this high-profile legal case underscores the broader national effort to dismantle support networks enabling violent non-state actors.
As the judicial process continues, authorities are expected to intensify efforts to locate and apprehend both the absconding defendants and Turji himself. Success in these endeavours would signal a notable advancement in Nigeria’s ongoing counter-terrorism campaign, even as security forces operate on multiple fronts to contain insurgent, bandit and extremist threats.
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