The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday once more rejected bail for alleged terrorist negotiator Tukur Mamu, who remains detained at the Department of State Services (DSS) facility.

Presiding Judge Mohammed Umar said that the prosecution has shown consistent diligence in the handling of the case, weakening Mamu’s plea for bail.

He also noted that Mamu’s defence did not present sufficient new material facts to justify bail.

Mamu, arrested on 7 September 2022 in Egypt and repatriated to Nigeria, is facing a 10‑count charge of terrorism financing and related offences in connection with the 2022 Abuja‑Kaduna train attack.

While denying bail, the court granted a medical directive: “Mamu is to be taken to an appropriate hospital for treatment of his health complaints.”

The judge emphasised that in bail considerations, factors include the nature of the charge, the evidence, and whether the defendant may interfere with the trial if released.

The decision marks the third time Mamu’s bail application has been refused since his arraignment on 21 March 2023.

The trial continues before Justice Umar.

A flight carrying 147 Nigerians stranded in Libya touched down at the Cargo Terminal of Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos on Tuesday evening, marking the latest phase of the Assisted Voluntary Return programme.

The operation, coordinated by NEMA’s Lagos Operations Office alongside the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, is aimed at ensuring safe and dignified repatriation of Nigerians stranded abroad.

Of the returnees, 100 were adults (32 males and 68 females), 34 were children (18 males and 16 females), and 13 were infants (5 males and 8 females).

Upon arrival, officials from the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) conducted biometric registration and documentation to streamline their reintegration process.

NEMA emphasised that the returnees were provided with food, safe drinking water, medical care, ambulance services and counselling, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to the welfare of Nigerians abroad who seek to return home.

This arrival is part of the broader “AVRR” (Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration) mechanism supported by IOM.

For instance, in 2024 alone, approximately 4,760 stranded Nigerians returned under this scheme, many of whom had initially travelled irregularly and were exposed to exploitation during their journeys.

Hours after protests in Abuja calling for his release, IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu told the Federal High Court he is ready to begin his defence. Previously on 16 October, he filed a preliminary objection challenging the court’s jurisdiction; a medical panel had also declared him fit to stand trial.

In a fresh motion filed on 21 October, Kanu said he intends to call 23 witnesses, divided into two categories: “ordinary but material” and “vital and compellable” under Section 232 of the Evidence Act, 2011.

Among the high‑profile names listed as compellable are Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd), former Minister of Defence, Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd), former Chief of Army Staff, Babajide Sanwo‑Olu, Governor of Lagos State, Hope Uzodimma, Governor of Imo State, Nyesom Wike, Minister of the FCT, Dave Umahi, Minister of Works and Abubakar Malami, SAN, former Attorney‑General of the Federation.

Kanu requested a 90‑day timeframe to complete his defence in light of the number of witnesses.

He emphasised his commitment to testify personally and provide sworn statements, stressing that “justice is not only done but manifestly seen to have been done.”

On the same day, a magistrate court in Abuja remanded 13 individuals including his special counsel, Aloy Ejimakor arrested after the protest, and adjourned their arraignment until 24 October.

After nine long months of uncertainty and heartbreak, two missing children, Sunday Aliya (14) and Ebenezer Emmanuel (12) have been rescued by the Anambra State Police Command, bringing a sombre ordeal to an emotional close.

The case first came to light on January 18, 2025, when the boys’ guardian reported them missing after they went to fetch water at a local borehole and never returned.

The matter was referred to the Command’s State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Gender Section for further investigation.

Acting on intelligence, officers tracked a key suspect, Yusuf, to Katsina State; he provided leads that directed the team to Umunede in Delta State, where Sunday Aliya was found.

Subsequent leads led to the rescue of Ebenezer Emmanuel in Benin City, Edo State.

Commissioner of Police Ikioye Orutugu commended the persistence and professionalism of the operatives, emphasising the Command’s commitment to pursuing every case “no matter how long it takes.”

The rescued children’s parents, based in Ilorin, Kwara State, have been contacted and arrangements are being made for their formal reunification.