The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Tuesday, granted former terrorist negotiator, Tukur Mamu access to his doctor.
The Kaduna-based cleric and publisher is facing trial in connection with the terror attack on a Kaduna-Abuja train in March last year, leading to the death of at least eight persons with scores abducted for ransom.
Mamu, who was arraigned in March this year, is facing 10 counts bordering on terrorism financing, among others.
He was accused of receiving ransom payments in the sum of $120, 000 on behalf of the Boko Haram terrorists from families of hostages of the train attack. Mamu was also accused of exchanging voice-note communications in relation to acts of terrorism with one Baba Adamu (a Boko Haram spokesperson).
He is being tried secretly at the request of the Department of State Services to protect the prosecution witnesses.
In a Motion on Notice marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/96/2023, Mamu sought the leave of court to have access to his doctor following his deteriorating health conditions.
He also asked the court to order the DSS to take him for surgical procedures as recommended by both his Egyptian and Nigerian doctors.
The Federal Government, in a counter-affidavit through its lawyer, David Kaswe, opposed the application.
He stated that the DSS had a functional medical facility and a team of medical doctors that could handle his case.
Kaswe then urged the court not to grant the application looking at the circumstances of the charge against him
Ruling on the matter on Tuesday, Justice Inyang Ekwo, asked Kaswe if the defendant was entitled to his physician.
Responding he said, “Yes, My Lord, he is, as long as it is within the supervision of our team (of physicians).”
Justice Ekwo, however, ordered that Mamu’s doctor should treat him under the supervision of the DSS medical team.
“I make an order that the medical physician shall be allowed to give him medical treatment subject to the supervision of the physician of the prosecution. This is the order of this court,” the judge held.
He adjourned the matter till February 26 for continuation of trial.
