Federal High Court Remands Two Katsina Men Over Alleged Links to Bandit Activities

A Federal High Court sitting in Kano State has ordered the remand of two men from Katsina State over allegations of providing support to armed bandits in violation of Nigeria’s Terrorism Prevention Act.

The defendants, Sani Mamman and Abubakar Umar, were arraigned on terrorism-related charges before Justice S.M. Shuaibu, who directed that they remain in custody pending the commencement of their trial.

According to the prosecution, Mamman, a resident of Ruwan Godiya in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State, was allegedly hired in March 2025 to transport suspected bandits into a forest in Faskari.

Prosecutors argued that the alleged act contravenes Section 13(a), (b) and (c) of the Terrorism Prevention Act.

However, Mamman pleaded not guilty, denying that he worked as a driver as claimed by investigators.

He told the court that he earns a living selling beans with a wheelbarrow and added that while his father is deceased, his mother lives in Funtua, Katsina State.

Prosecution counsel Hadiza Adamu Yabani informed the court that Mamman has remained in custody since his arrest in March 2025.

The second defendant, Abubakar Umar, from Rimi Local Government Area of Katsina State, is accused of attempting to transport arms and ammunition to suspected bandits following his arrest on December 2, 2024.

Like his co-defendant, Umar pleaded not guilty to the charge, insisting he had no involvement in the alleged offence.

He told the court that before his arrest, he made a living through farming and the sale of perishable goods.

Defence counsel H.A. Kalmaten, who announced his appearance after taking over the matter from I.I. Umar, represented both defendants during the proceedings.

After hearing submissions from both parties, Justice Shuaibu adjourned the case to July 7 and 8, 2026, for the commencement of trial.

The judge also ordered that both defendants remain in a correctional facility within the court’s jurisdiction until further proceedings.