The publisher of the Kaduna-based Desert Herald Newspaper, Tukur Mamu, has formally requested the Attorney General of the Federation to retract his categorization as a “terrorist financier.”
Mamu’s lawyer, J.J. Usman (SAN), sent a letter dated March 25, 2024, to the Attorney General, a copy of which was obtained by our correspondent in Kaduna on Tuesday.
The Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, acting on behalf of the Federal Government, recently released a document designating several entities, including Mamu, as terrorism financiers.
The document cited Mamu’s alleged involvement in financing terrorism related to the Abuja-Kaduna train attack in March 2022, claiming he facilitated ransom payments totaling $200,000 US for the release of hostages.
Mamu, who is currently detained, formerly served as a Media Consultant to the controversial Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi.
Gumi himself disputed Mamu’s designation as a terrorism financier.
In response, Mamu’s lawyer challenged the designation, arguing that the Nigerian Sanctions Committee lacked the authority to label Mamu as such, especially considering that Mamu’s case is still pending in court.
The letter demanded the retraction of the designation within seven days, threatening legal action if the demand is not met.
