The publisher of the Kaduna-based Herald newspaper, Tukur Mamu, who negotiated the release of some of the hostages from the Kaduna-Abuja train attack in March, had some of his in-laws’ homes raided by the Department of State Services on Friday.Ibrahim Mada, the newspaper’s special projects manager, claimed in a statement that the DSS raided the homes of Mamu’s brother and his in-law, arresting Abdullahi Mashi while taking items such phones, cash, and jewellery.

However, the organisation advised the DSS against holding a media trial for Mamu, who also serves as Sheikh Ahmad Gumi’s media consultant. Mamu was detained by the DSS after being taken into custody on Tuesday in Cairo.

Mada in the statement explained that the ‘military accoutrements’ found at Mamu’s residence by the DSS operatives belonged to his nephew, who is a naval officer.

The statement partly read, “We urge the Department of State Services to avoid a media trial of Mallam Tukur Mamu (Dan Iyan Fika), publisher, Desert Herald newspaper whom they arrested and kept in detention since Tuesday, September 6.

“The DSS in a press release on Thursday September 8, 2022 titled, ‘Update on Tukur Mamu’ claimed during their raids on his residence and office in Kaduna that a large sum of money in various currencies and denominations as well as  military accoutrements were recovered.

“While the DSS did not indicate the actual amount of the so-called large sum found in his house and office, we want to make it clear that the ‘military accoutrements’ found in his house are military kits (uniform and beret) belonging to his son, Yahaha Bello, a naval officer who graduated from the Nigerian Defence Academy. Bello was brought up by Tukur and he lives in his house.”

He recalled that about two weeks ago, Mamu’s younger brother, Muhammad Saleh Mamu, an Air Force officer was killed while on counter terrorism mission in Zamfara State.

While speaking on the raid, the statement added, “Apart from detaining Tukur Mamu with his two sons, Faisal Tukur Mamu and Ibrahim Husaini Mamu, DSS operatives early this morning (Friday), at 12am stormed the residence of Abdullahi Mashi, collected the phones of the residents as well as cash and other valuables in the  house and whisked him away. Mashi is an in-law to Mamu.

“The DSS also raided the apartment of Ibrahim Husaini Mamu at about 3am. They could not find anything incriminating in all the houses they raided.”

Mamu was said to be on his way to Saudi Arabia for the lesser Hajj when he and his family were detained at the Cairo International Airport.

It was reported that Mamu and four members of his family were arrested at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport.

This is coming after the Nigerian intelligence agencies requested that they be deported from Egypt.