A Federal High Court in Kano has remanded two Katsina men accused of aiding bandits, with both denying terrorism-related charges ahead of trial in July.
A Federal High Court in Kano has ordered the remand of two men from Katsina State who are facing separate allegations of providing support to armed bandits.
The defendants, Sani Mamman and Abubakar Umar, both pleaded not guilty to charges filed against them under the Terrorism Prevention Act, setting the stage for a trial that is expected to begin in early July.
The court’s decision marks another step in Nigeria’s continuing efforts to prosecute individuals accused of supporting criminal groups responsible for violent attacks, kidnappings, and insecurity across parts of the North-West.
Authorities have increasingly relied on the Terrorism Prevention Act to pursue suspects alleged to have assisted armed groups through transportation, logistics, or the movement of weapons.
Justice S.M. Shuaibu, who presided over the proceedings, directed that both defendants remain in a correctional facility within the court’s jurisdiction until their trial begins.
The court fixed July 7 and July 8 for the commencement of hearing, when prosecutors are expected to begin presenting evidence to support the charges.
One of the defendants, Sani Mamman, is a resident of Ruwan Godiya in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State.
According to the prosecution, he allegedly transported suspected bandits to a forest in Faskari sometime in March 2025.
Prosecutors argued that the alleged act contravenes Sections 13(a), (b), and (c) of the Terrorism Prevention Act, which criminalizes providing assistance or support to terrorist groups or persons engaged in terrorist activities.
Despite the allegations, Mamman firmly denied any wrongdoing when the charges were read before the court. He disputed claims that he worked as a driver, insisting instead that he made a living by selling beans with a wheelbarrow.
He also shared personal details during the proceedings, informing the court that although his father had died, his mother remains alive and lives in Funtua.
His statement appeared aimed at clarifying his background while distancing himself from the accusations made by investigators.
Under Nigerian law, however, a defendant’s plea of not guilty means the prosecution bears the responsibility of proving every element of the alleged offence beyond a reasonable doubt during trial.
The prosecution, represented by Hadiza Adamu Yabani, informed the court that Mamman has remained in custody since his arrest in March 2025.
No application for bail was granted during the proceedings, and the court maintained that the defendant should remain in detention pending the commencement of trial.
The second defendant, Abubakar Umar, is from Rimi Local Government Area of Katsina State. He faces a separate charge alleging that he attempted to transport arms and ammunition intended for suspected bandits.
Prosecutors said he was arrested on December 2, 2024, and charged under Section 13 of the Terrorism Prevention Act.
Like his co-defendant, Umar denied the allegations.
He told the court that he was not responsible for the offence described in the charge and maintained his innocence. He also explained that before his arrest, he earned his livelihood through farming and the sale of perishable goods.
His denial means that prosecutors will be required to present evidence linking him to the alleged movement of weapons before the court can determine whether the allegations have been proven under the law.
During the hearing, defence counsel H.A. Kalmaten informed the court that he had recently taken over the matter from I.I. Umar after consulting with the defendants. The lawyer’s appearance formally confirmed a change in legal representation ahead of the substantive hearing.
With both defendants entering not-guilty pleas, the case is now expected to move into the evidentiary stage.
During the trial, the prosecution will call witnesses and present exhibits to establish its claims, while the defence will have the opportunity to challenge the evidence through cross-examination and present its own case.
The outcome of the proceedings could contribute to the growing number of terrorism-related prosecutions arising from Nigeria’s campaign against armed banditry, particularly in Katsina and neighbouring states where security agencies continue to intensify operations against criminal groups.
For now, the court has made no finding on the guilt or innocence of either defendant. Under the Nigerian legal system, every accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of competent jurisdiction.
The upcoming hearings will determine whether the prosecution can establish the allegations beyond reasonable doubt.
As the trial date approaches, attention will focus on the evidence expected to be presented and whether it is sufficient to sustain the terrorism-related charges.
The proceedings are also likely to be closely watched because they form part of broader judicial efforts to address insecurity through the legal process while safeguarding the constitutional rights of those standing trial.
Related news:
Ondo high court sentences vulcaniser to death for murder over phone theft
Fake kidnapping: Edo police arrest man over alleged N4m ransom plot
Sokoto court sentences three men to death over terrorism
About The Author
