Federal Government Reopens Terrorism Trial Against Nyanya Bombing Suspects

The Federal Government has once again presented its case against Aminu Ogwuche and five other individuals accused of carrying out the deadly twin bomb blasts at Nyanya Motor Park in Abuja on April 14, 2014. The explosions left over 70 people dead and many others injured.

During Monday’s hearing before Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja, prosecuting counsel David Kasue reminded the court of an earlier directive allowing witness protection. He requested that only legal representatives and accredited media be allowed in the courtroom. However, Justice Lifu declined to bar a group of law students observing from the gallery, explaining that their presence served educational purposes.

The prosecution then introduced its first witness, whose identity was concealed with a mask and hood. Although the defence, led by Nureni Jimoh (SAN), initially challenged the concealment, the testimony was allowed after the witness insisted on anonymity for safety reasons.

Testifying under the guidance of Kasue, the masked witness—who revealed he served in the Department of State Services (DSS) for 23 years—described how the suspects were arrested. He specifically detailed the capture and extradition of the lead suspect, Ogwuche, from Sudan.

He explained that information from the third defendant, Mohammed Ishaq, led to Ogwuche’s identification as a financial supporter of the group. According to the witness, Ogwuche had long been under DSS watch and was previously deported from the UK.

Jimoh objected to the mention of Ogwuche’s deportation, insisting that documentary evidence was needed to support the claim. But the prosecution argued that oral testimony was admissible under Section 7 of the Evidence Act. Justice Lifu postponed ruling on the objection until the case’s conclusion.

Continuing, the witness said Ogwuche was identified by Ishaq as “Aminu,” a man from the Middle Belt who frequently visited a mosque in Utako and developed ties with Boko Haram leader Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, also known as Dr. Tsiga, who remains at large.

The witness also testified that Ishaq claimed he and Tsiga had transported a car loaded with explosives to El Rufai Park and left it there overnight. Ogwuche allegedly later explained his involvement with the sect, stating he believed they were engaged in a divine mission.

The prosecution attempted to submit written statements made by the defendants, but these could not be located due to procedural oversights. Justice Lifu blamed the prosecution for failing to notify the court registrar ahead of time and adjourned the trial until July 24.

The defendants Aminu Ogwuche (also known as Abu Ibrahim or Maiturare), Mohammed Ishaq, Ya’u Saidu (aka Kofar Rama), Anas Isah, and Adamu Yusuf face terrorism charges in connection with the 2014 attack.

Initially overseen by Justice Ahmed Mohammed, the case was reassigned to Justice Lifu following Mohammed’s appointment to the Court of Appeal. The trial has faced multiple delays, mostly due to the prosecution’s repeated absences, drawing warnings from the court that the case could be struck out if the trend continued.