A Department of State Services, DSS, investigator on Wednesday told the Federal High Court in Abuja that publisher Tukur Mamu lived far above his means during the 2022 Abuja–Kaduna train abduction saga.
Testifying as the sixth prosecution witness before Justice Mohammed Umar, the operative who appeared behind a screened enclosure for security reasons, said investigations showed that Mamu’s lifestyle “suddenly changed” while he was interacting with the terrorists holding passengers hostage.
Led in evidence by DSS counsel David Kaswe, the witness alleged that Mamu encouraged the terrorists to negotiate ransom directly with families of the victims, benefited financially from the payments, collected and confirmed ransom amounts on behalf of the kidnappers, and facilitated their delivery.
He also claimed Mamu unlawfully possessed a firearm, advised the terrorists on how to create a website, and held cash far exceeding what is legally permitted. He added that Mamu did not share the voice notes used during negotiations with the Chief of Defence Staff Committee, which was officially mandated to conduct the talks.
READ ALSO:DSS frees IPOB member, pays compensation
According to him, findings revealed that Mamu was never appointed to negotiate on behalf of the CDS Committee but instead sidelined the team while taking part in the release negotiations.
The witness further alleged that during the negotiation period, Mamu sponsored four family members on a trip to Egypt and purchased two luxury cars, which investigators flagged as signs of unexplained wealth.
During cross-examination, Mamu’s lawyer, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Johnson Usman, questioned the credibility of the investigation. The witness admitted that he never worked at an airport, had never travelled outside Nigeria, did not examine Mamu’s passport, and was unaware of any formal DSS invitation or notice declaring his client wanted.
He also confirmed that he did not know Mamu’s net worth and had never met him before the case.
The witness maintained, however, that kidnapping victims suggested names to the terrorists, who then contacted the individuals directly, and Mamu was the only one who agreed to participate.
Justice Umar adjourned the trial to Jan. 29, 2026, for continuation.
