A Department of State Services (DSS) operative has told the Federal High Court that alleged terrorist negotiator Tukur Mamu used proceeds from ransom payments linked to the 2022 Abuja–Kaduna train attack to finance a lavish lifestyle, including foreign trips and new vehicles.

Testifying from behind a screen before Justice Mohammed Garba Umar, the sixth prosecution witness said Mamu’s lifestyle “suddenly changed” during the negotiations, claiming he lived far above his means. The operative alleged that Mamu sponsored a trip to Egypt with four family members—where he was later arrested—and acquired two cars during the same period.

Defense counsel Johnson Usman (SAN) challenged the testimony, arguing the witness had no prior knowledge of Mamu’s financial status and therefore could not assess any change. Usman pointed out that Mamu already owned three cars—a Toyota Venza, Mercedes Benz E350, and Hyundai saloon—two of which predated the train incident. He also noted Mamu’s history of international travel for religious pilgrimages such as Hajj and Umrah, suggesting the Egypt trip was not unusual.

The witness admitted he had no prior knowledge of Mamu’s net worth but maintained his observations were based on the investigation. His testimony builds on earlier claims that an audio recording captured terrorist leader “Shugaba” offering Mamu ₦50 million as a reward from ransom funds.

Prosecutors allege Mamu inserted himself into negotiations without government authorization, facilitated payments illegally, possessed unauthorized firearms, and advised terrorists on creating a website—actions that bypassed the official Chief of Defence Staff committee.

Mamu, arrested in Egypt in September 2022 and repatriated to Nigeria, faces charges of terrorism financing tied to the train attack that killed several passengers and led to mass abductions. He denies the allegations, with his aide previously dismissing them as politically motivated. The DSS maintains that Mamu profited financially and lived extravagantly during the crisis.

Justice Umar adjourned further cross-examination to January 29, 2026, as the trial continues amid growing scrutiny of ransom negotiations and their role in Nigeria’s worsening security challenges.