Court Approves Speedy Trial for UN Bombing Suspects

On Monday, the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite, agreed to expedite the trial of five men accused of the August 26, 2011 bombing of the United Nations building in Abuja. The Department of State Services (DSS) invoked a practice for speedy trials in terrorism cases, which was established by a directive from Chief Judge Justice John Tsoho in 2022.

The accused individuals include Al Barnawi, Kafuri Naziru, Alhaji Yahaya, Mallam Dauda, and Alhaji Tanimu, with the DSS prosecuting alongside Moham Bashir Saleh, Umar Moham Bello (aka Datti), and Moham Salisu Yakubu Nuhu (aka Bello Maishayi). The defense, represented by Alex Izinyon SAN, did not object to the application for expedited proceedings.

The court noted that the case has been pending for nearly ten years, and the move aims to ensure a prompt determination of the case. The trial will proceed on a daily basis, allowing for thorough examination of evidence and testimonies.