Proceedings resume at the Federal High Court in Abuja as one of the suspects standing trial over the 2011 bombing of the United Nations building narrates how he joins the Khalid Al-Barnawi terror network, in a case prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS).
At the resumed hearing before Justice Emeka Nwite, Mediaplusng.com reports that the second defendant, Mohammed Saleh, speaks in a video recording played in open court. Saleh tells the court that he meets Khalid Al-Barnawi in Bauchi shortly before the August 26, 2011 attack, adding that their relationship develops from that point and later leads to his involvement with the group.
The court also watches another video recording of Saleh’s interview as proceedings continue in the ongoing trial-within-trial. The exercise is meant to determine whether the confessional statements made by the defendants are voluntary or obtained under improper conditions, a key issue raised by the defence.
During cross-examination of the third prosecution witness, identified as TSR3, Mediaplusng.com reports that the witness explains his role at the DSS. He tells the court that he works in the Technical Department and is responsible for setting up audio and video recording equipment used during suspect interviews.
The witness further explains that his duties include real-time audio and video recording of interview sessions, computer and mobile phone forensic analysis, and crime scene investigation such as fingerprint collection and laboratory analysis. He says he personally records the interview and statement-taking sessions of the first defendant, including the visual recording of the translation of the statements.
When questioned by defence counsel F. K. Kaigama on whether a person named James works in the DSS Technical Department, the witness responds that several officers with that name serve in the department, without singling out any individual.
At that stage of the proceedings, Justice Emeka Nwite announces a pause in the trial, citing other official engagements. With the consent of counsel to all parties, the court adjourns the matter until March 2 for the continuation of cross-examination of the prosecution witness in the trial-within-trial.
The case relates to the 2011 bombing of the UN building in Abuja, the first major attack on an international organisation’s facility in Nigeria. The incident results in multiple deaths and injuries and draws widespread local and international condemnation.
Khalid Al-Barnawi is arrested by the DSS in April 2016 in Lokoja, Kogi State, several years after the attack. He is charged alongside Mohammed Bashir Saleh, Umar Mohammed Bello (also known as Datti), Mohammed Salisu, and Yakubu Nuhu, also called Bello Maishayi.
The trial continues as the court examines evidence and testimonies to determine individual roles, the credibility of confessional statements, and compliance with due process. The outcome is expected to play a significant role in Nigeria’s long-running efforts to secure accountability for major terror-related cases and strengthen the rule of law.
