DSS Witness Admits No Lawyers Present During Statements

During a trial within a trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja, a witness from the Department of State Services (DSS) acknowledged the absence of legal representation when statements were taken from the first defendant in the 2011 UN building bombing case. The witness, identified as ABZ1A, testified before Justice Emeka Nwite, stating that the statements were translated months after being obtained.

The witness confirmed that no lawyers were present during the taking of the first defendant's statement and admitted to not recalling the details of the initial statement despite the significant time gap. The witness also indicated that the process depended on directives from superiors and acknowledged that the statements were recorded in Hausa and later translated into English.

The defense challenged the credibility of the witness, arguing that they lacked firsthand knowledge of critical aspects of the investigation. The matter has been adjourned until April 20, 2026, for further proceedings.