Nigeria, Jan. 21 -- The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday issued a bench warrant for the arrest of five suspects linked to terrorist leader, Bello Turji.

The judge, Emeka Nwite, issued the arrest order after David Kaswe, lawyer for the federal government, moved an oral application in that regard.

The development followed the absence of the defendants in court to face their trial. They are Musa Kamarawa, Abubakar Hashimu, also known as Doctor, Samuel Chinedu and Lucky Chukwuma.

The Attorney-General of the Federation's office had filed 11 terrorism-related counts against eight defendants, including Bello Turji, who remained at large. Terrorists like Mr Turji have attacked villages and targeted travellers along major roads. They we...