A suspect being prosecuted alongside Khalid Al-Barnawi and three others over the August 26, 2011, bombing of the United Nations building in Abuja has told the Federal High Court in Abuja how he joined the terror group.
At the resumed trial of Al-Barnawi and the four co-defendants, the second defendant, Mohammed Saleh, in a video recording played before Justice Emeka Nwite, stated that he met Al-Barnawi in Bauchi shortly before the UN attack and that their relationship developed from that point.
During the session, the court also viewed another video recording of Saleh’s interview. The ongoing trial-within-trial is examining whether the defendants’ confessional statements were given voluntarily.
Under cross-examination by Al-Barnawi’s lawyer, F. K. Kaigama, a DSS technical officer identified as “TSR3” explained his role in the department, which includes setting up audio/video recording equipment for interviews, conducting real-time audio/video recordings of suspects, and documenting translations of statements.
TSR3 also described additional responsibilities, including computer and mobile phone forensic examinations, crime scene investigations, fingerprint collection, and laboratory analysis. He confirmed that he performed these tasks in relation to Al-Barnawi, including recording the first defendant’s interviews in real time.
When questioned about a person named James in the technical department, TSR3 said there are multiple individuals with that name working in the department.
Justice Nwite adjourned the proceedings to March 2 to continue the cross-examination of the third prosecution witness, citing other engagements. The adjournment was agreed upon by all parties in court.
Al-Barnawi, also known by various aliases including Kafuri, Naziru, Alhaji Yahaya, Mallam Dauda, and Alhaji Tanimu, was arrested by the DSS in April 2016 in Lokoja, Kogi State—five years after the Abuja UN bombing, which killed more than 20 people and injured over 70 others.
He is being prosecuted alongside Mohammed Bashir Saleh, Umar Mohammed Bello (aka Datti), Mohammed Salisu, and Yakubu Nuhu (aka Bello Maishayi).
