Court Adjourns Mamu's Terrorist Designation Suit to April 2024

The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by Mamu against the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) concerning his designation as a terrorist. The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/713/2024, was discussed before Justice Moham Umar, who noted that the AGF's counsel, David Kasw, had filed a counter affidavit.

Mamu's counsel, Johnson Usman, argued that the AGF's actions contravened Section 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution, which presumes innocence until proven guilty. Usman presented exhibits to support his claim that labeling Mamu as a terrorist was legally and morally wrong without a trial.

Kasw countered that the federal government acted within the law, citing the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act of 2022, which empowers a committee to recommend such designations based on suspected involvement in terrorism. Justice Umar requested clarification on whether the law allows for a designation of a defendant as a terrorist before trial.

The matter is set to continue on April 23, 2024, for the adoption of final written addresses.