A Federal High Court sitting in Kano has ordered that two individuals from Katsina State, Sani Mamman and Abubakar Umar, remain in custody for their alleged involvement in banditry. Both men face charges related to violating the Terrorism Prevention Act.
Prosecutors claim Sani Mamman, a resident of Ruwan Godiya in the Faskari area, was involved in transporting suspected bandits into a forest in March 2025. During his arraignment, Mamman entered a not guilty plea. He maintained that he is not a driver, asserting instead that he earns money as a beans trader who uses a wheelbarrow.
The second defendant, Abubakar Umar from the Rimi Local Government Area, was detained on December 2, 2024. Authorities allege he attempted to move weapons and ammunition to criminal groups. Umar also denied the accusations, telling the court he is a farmer and trader of perishable items. Hadiza Adamu Yabani, representing the prosecution, noted that Mamman has been detained since March 2025.
Defence lawyer H.A. Kalmaten confirmed he had assumed control of the legal representation for both men. Presiding Justice S.M. Shuaibu ordered that the pair be held in a local correctional facility and set the trial dates for July 7 and 8, 2026.