The Egyptian Police have arrested the lead negotiator between the terrorists and passengers kidnapped from the attacked Abuja-Kaduna train, Alhaji Tukur Mamu.
According to reports, Mamu and members of his family were arrested at Cairo International Airport
Mamu, who was at the forefront of negotiations for the release of the Kaduna-train captives, was detained at the airport while he was on his way to Saudi Arabia for lesser hajj.
Speaking with the newspaper, the publisher said he left Nigeria on Tuesday and was detained by Egyptian security agencies for scrutiny, but nothing incriminating was found on him.
He accused the federal government of attempting to detain him in another country like Sunday Adeyemo, the Yoruba nation agitator better known as Sunday Igboho.
The newspaper reported that he is currently being repatriated to Nigeria from Egypt.
Recently, Mamu pulled out of negotiations with the insurgents after he had secured the release of some passengers.
The publisher cited lack of government’s support, threat to his life and blackmail as some of the reasons for his withdrawal.
On March 28, the insurgents attacked a train heading for Kaduna from Abuja, which led to the death of some passengers.
In June, 11 of the abductees were released.
In July, seven of the abducted passengers were freed — Sadiq, son of Ango Abdullahi, chairman of Northern Elders Forum (NEF), was among the seven victims released.
On August 2, five abducted passengers were released.
Eight days later, another seven abducted passengers were released.
