The sixth prosecution witness, a DSS operative, testified that the payment was made by “Shugaba,” the leader of the terrorist gang that carried out the March 28, 2022 attack and abducted dozens of passengers.

Mamu, publisher of Desert Herald, is facing multiple terrorism-related charges, including:Collecting ransom on behalf of terrorists 

Handling terrorist funds 

Obstructing the Chief of Defence Staff’s official negotiation committee

Exchanging voice notes with a Boko Haram spokesman

Advising terrorists to bypass government negotiators and deal directly with victims’ families

During cross-examination, the witness revealed that terrorists also asked Mamu to teach them how to create a website for their propaganda activities.

The testimony was based on audio recordings of Mamu’s interrogation in Egypt before his repatriation to Nigeria.

In a separate development, Mamu has filed a fundamental rights suit against the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), challenging his designation as a terrorist while his trial is ongoing and he remains presumed innocent.

Justice Inyang Ekwo adjourned the terrorism trial until February 23, 2026, for adoption of final written addresses, particularly on the application of Section 49 of the Terrorism Act and Section 36 of the Nigerian Constitution.