The Federal High Court in Abuja has begun a trial-within-trial to determine whether statements made by suspects linked to the 2011 United Nations (UN) building bombing were obtained through coercion or intimidation
During Monday’s proceedings, both prosecution and defence lawyers confirmed that they had jointly reviewed video recordings of the suspects’ interrogations, alongside court officials. The Department of State Services (DSS) also informed the court that some of its witnesses would testify in masks during this stage of the trial to address allegations that the suspects were forced into making certain confessions.
According to Mediaplusng.com, the development follows Justice Emeka Nwite’s earlier ruling, which granted the DSS an accelerated hearing in the terrorism case that has lingered for years. The judge emphasized the need for a fair and speedy resolution, especially given the nature of the allegations and the public interest involved.
The trial centres on Khalid Al-Barnawi, identified as the alleged mastermind of the August 26, 2011 UN building bombing in Abuja, which killed more than 20 people and left over 70 others injured. Arrested in Lokoja, Kogi State, in 2016, Al-Barnawi is accused of leading Ansaru, a breakaway faction of the Boko Haram terrorist group
Mediaplusng.com reports that the case remains one of Nigeria’s most significant terrorism trials since the insurgency began, as it tests the nation’s judicial resolve to ensure justice while safeguarding the rights of all parties involved.
