The publisher of the Kaduna-based Desert Herald Newspaper, Tukur Mamu, has written to the Attorney General of the Federation, demanding the retraction of his profile as terrorist financier in Nigeria.
This was contained in a letter dated March 25, 2024, written on his behalf by his lawyer, J.J. Usman (SAN), addressed to the Attorney General of the Federation, whose acknowledged copy was sighted by our correspondent in Kaduna on Tuesday.
According to the letter, a seven-day ultimatum was handed down for the retraction of Tukur Mamu as a terrorist financier to prevent litigation.
The letter reads: “We are counsel to Mr Tukur Mohammed Mamu (hereinafter referred to as our client), whose firm and absolute instructions we relate to you on the above subject matter.
“Recall that Our Client was arraigned by the Federal Government of Nigeria, particularly before the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, in CHARGE No. FHC/ABJ/CR/96/2023 between THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA and TUKUR MOHAMMED MAMU.
“In furtherance to this, it is remarkable to note that your office is currently prosecuting Our Client on allegations concerning terrorism,
“Attached herewith is a certified true copy of the said Charge mark as ANNEXURE “A” for ease of reference.
“It is lamentable to observe that on March 19, 2024, while the case against Our Client is still pending, the social media was saturated by a publication allegedly emanating from and authorised by your good office.
“However, the said publication was specifically made by the “Nigerian Sanctions Committee,” wherein our client was profiled and designated as a “terrorist financier.”.
“As at the time of this missive, no Court of competent jurisdiction in Nigeria has designated Our Client as such.
“Attached herewith is a copy of the publication downloaded from the internet, marked as Annexure “B” for ease of reference.
“It is common knowledge that the administration of the criminal justice system in Nigeria is not only antithetic to, but forbids media trials in whatever guise.
“We vehemently condemn the actions of the Nigerian Sanctions Committee, the same being a violation of the rule of natural justice and prejudicial to our client, who is undergoing trial and whose trial is still pending in SUIT FHCIABJ/CR/96/2023.”
