Court remands two suspects for allegedly aiding bandits in Katsina
Kano Court Orders Remand of Two Suspects in Banditry Case
A Federal High Court in Kano State has ordered the remand of two residents from Katsina State, Sani Mamman and Abubakar Umar, amid allegations of aiding bandit activities.
The defendants were arraigned on charges related to their alleged support for bandits, in violation of the Terrorism Prevention Act.
According to prosecutors, Mamman, a resident of Ruwan Godiya in the Faskari Local Government Area, was arrested in March 2025 for allegedly transporting suspected bandits to a forest in the region. He faces accusations under Section 13(a), (b), and (c) of the Terrorism Prevention Act. Mamman has pleaded not guilty, asserting that he is not a driver as alleged, but rather makes a living selling beans with a wheelbarrow. He also informed the court that his mother lives in Funtua following his father’s death.
Prosecution counsel Hadiza Adamu Yabani indicated that Mamman had been in custody since his arrest.
The second suspect, Abubakar Umar, from Rimi Local Government Area, was arrested on December 2, 2024, for allegedly attempting to transport arms and ammunition to bandits. His charges also fall under Section 13 of the Terrorism Prevention Act. Umar has denied the allegations, claiming his livelihood consists of farming and selling perishable goods.
Defense counsel H.A. Kalmaten revealed that he had taken over the case after discussions with the defendants.
Presiding Judge Justice S.M. Shuaibu adjourned the proceedings until July 7 and 8, 2026, for the commencement of trial and ordered that both defendants be remanded in a correctional facility pending further developments.