Court Grants DSS Motion to Fast-Track UN Bombing Trial

A Federal High Court in Abuja has approved a motion by the Department of State Services (DSS) to accelerate the trial of Khalid Al-Barnawi, the alleged mastermind of the August 26, 2011 UN building bombing in Abuja, and four others.

                                                

The attack, one of the deadliest on international institutions in Nigeria, killed more than 20 people and left over 70 injured.

Background of the Case

• Khalid Al-Barnawi was arrested in April 2016 by the DSS in Lokoja, Kogi State.

• His trial began shortly afterward but stalled for years due to administrative and legal challenges.

• Al-Barnawi, also known as Kafuri, Naziru, Alhaji Yahaya, Mallam Dauda, and Alhaji Tanimu, is believed to have been a founding member of Boko Haram before becoming leader of the breakaway faction Jama’at Ansarul Muslimim Fi Biladi Sudan (JAMBS).

On Friday, DSS counsel Alex Iziyon (SAN) urged the court to fast-track proceedings.

Key points from the motion:

• The DSS said it is ready to ensure the case is concluded without further delay.

• Video recordings were presented, showing that defendants’ extrajudicial statements were voluntary, contradicting claims by some of the accused.

• Defense attorneys did not contest the DSS application.

The court registrar took notes as parties viewed the video evidence.

The trial is set to continue on October 23 and 24 with a trial within trial session, where admissibility of confessional statements will be determined.

The outcome of this phase will play a crucial role in the broader terrorism case against Al-Barnawi and his co-defendants.