The trial of six men accused of masterminding the 2014 Nyanya bombings resumed on Monday, with the prosecution presenting its first witness.
Aminu Ogwuche and five others are facing charges related to the April 14, 2014, attack that killed at least 70 people and injured many others.
The witness, a 23-year veteran of the Department of State Services (DSS), testified about the arrest and extradition of Ogwuche from Sudan.
He claimed that Ogwuche’s arrest was linked to information provided by another defendant, Mohammed Ishaq, who described Ogwuche as a supporter of Boko Haram.
The witness stated, “The first defendant had been known to the DSS as a person of interest who had earlier been in custody having been deported from the United Kingdom.”
Ogwuche’s Counsel, Nureni Jimoh (SAN), objected to the testimony, arguing that oral evidence of deportation was insufficient without supporting documentation.
The prosecution cited Section 7 of the Evidence Act, arguing that the fact of deportation was relevant to the case and admissible as oral evidence.
The judge reserved ruling on the issue until the final judgment.
The witness testified that the DSS had Ogwuche’s profile and pictures on file, and that Ishaq identified Ogwuche from a photo lineup. He also claimed that Ishaq revealed that he and another suspect, Dr. Tsiga, drove a car laden with explosives to the El Rufai Park.
The judge adjourned the matter until July 24 for continuation of hearing, citing the prosecution’s failure to provide prior notice for the retrieval of necessary evidence.
The case has faced delays and challenges, including the elevation of the original trial judge, Ahmed Mohammed, to the Court of Appeal.
The new trial judge, Peter Lifu, has warned the prosecution to proceed with the case or face dismissal.