A Department of State Services investigator has told the Federal High Court in Abuja that several victims rescued from the 2022 Abuja Kaduna train attack submitted written complaints against alleged terrorist negotiator Tukur Mamu.
The operative, who testified as the sixth prosecution witness and gave evidence behind a screen for security reasons, made the disclosure while being cross examined by Mamu’s lead counsel, Johnson Usman, SAN. Asked if any of the rescued victims, including the wife of the Commandant in Jaji, lodged complaints against Mamu, he replied in the affirmative and confirmed the complaints were in writing.
DSS lawyer David Kaswe urged the court to stop the defence from asking questions that might reveal the identities of victims or witnesses, reminding the court that an order for their protection had been granted. Usman argued that none of the names he mentioned was listed as a witness and insisted that the order for trial in camera should not prejudice the defendant.
The witness said he interviewed six rescued victims during the investigation. He confirmed that none of these interviews was conducted in Mamu’s presence.
He further told the court he is not a vocologist and did not study sound in higher institutions but maintained that the audio exhibit tendered by the prosecution was an extract of a transcribed conversation between Mamu and the terrorists.
Under cross examination, the witness confirmed that former Chief of Defence Staff General Lucky Irabor was not interviewed. He, however, said retired General Abdulkadir Abubakar and General Jalingo were interviewed, though not in Mamu’s presence. He added that popular Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi was also interviewed without Mamu being present.
Asked about other security officials, the witness said he did not interview Major General Idris Garba or Hannafi of Defence Military Intelligence. He also confirmed that members of the Chief of Defence Staff Committee were never brought for joint interrogation in the presence of the defendant, despite Mamu’s request.
According to him, Mamu told investigators that he is a publisher of a newspaper and magazine and that his income comes from journalism. The witness said this claim was investigated by the DSS.
After the cross examination, prosecution counsel Kaswe informed the court that the prosecution was closing its case so that the defence could be opened. Usman responded that the defence would not file a no case submission, saying they wanted the full proceedings to be seen by the world and by God.
Justice Mohammed Umar adjourned the case until April 23 for Tukur Mamu to open his defence.
About the author
Onscreen kissing is weird, unpleasant – Saga Adeoluwa
Nollywood actor and reality TV star Saga Adeoluwa says onscreen kissing is weird and unpleasant and that many viewers are wrong to think actors enjoy it. He says most performers only do such scenes because they are required to tell the story properly, not because they find them exciting. Saga explains that kissing on set is uncomfortable because there is no real intimacy and the exchange of saliva makes it awkward. He adds that the presence of cameras, crew and other actors watching also makes the experience far from romantic. Despite appearing in several romantic movies, Saga says he cannot remember a single onscreen kiss he truly enjoyed. For him, intimate scenes are some of the most challenging parts of acting in love stories. He notes that before shooting any kissing scene, he tries to have a clear discussion with […]
Onscreen kissing is weird, unpleasant – Actor Saga Adeoluwa
Nollywood actor and reality TV star Saga Adeoluwa says actors do not enjoy onscreen kissing and that the experience is often weird and unpleasant. He said many viewers wrongly assume performers like such scenes, but most are only doing them to tell the story well. Saga explained that kissing another actor on set is uncomfortable, mainly because of the exchange of saliva and the lack of real intimacy behind the act. He said it feels strange to have someone invade your mouth while cameras and crew members are watching. He revealed that despite appearing in several romantic films, he has never had a truly pleasant onscreen kiss. According to him, kissing scenes are one of the most challenging parts of acting in love stories. Saga added that before any kissing scene, he usually talks with his co star to set […]
PSG edge Bayern in nine goal Champions League semi final classic
Paris Saint Germain took a narrow lead in their Champions League semi final after beating Bayern Munich 5 4 in a wild first leg at the Parc des Princes. The nine goal thriller was the highest scoring semi final in the history of the competition. Bayern struck first when Harry Kane converted a penalty in the 17th minute. PSG hit back through a brilliant Khvicha Kvaratskhelia strike and a Joao Neves header to lead 2 1, before Michael Olise levelled again for the German side. In first half stoppage time, Ousmane Dembele restored PSG’s advantage from the penalty spot after a handball decision against Alphonso Davies that Bayern strongly protested. That made it 3 2 at the break in a breathless opening 45 minutes. PSG then appeared to take full control early in the second half. Kvaratskhelia and Dembele each […]
I can score against any team, says Osimhen
Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen says he believes he can score against any team in the world and that finding the net is a job he does very well. He spoke after his decisive performance for Galatasaray in the heated Istanbul derby against Fenerbahce. Osimhen recently returned from a fractured arm but still managed to score the opening goal in Galatasaray’s 3 0 win over their rivals. He finished calmly from a Mario Lemina pass, underlining his reputation as one of Europe’s most dangerous forwards. The 2023 CAF Player of the Year said his confidence comes from hard work and belief in his own ability. He stressed that as a striker he is expected to deliver in big games and that he embraces that responsibility. Osimhen added that while he is proud of his goals, the most important thing is […]
World Cup gets cash boost as FIFA plans tough red card rules
FIFA has approved a major increase in World Cup cash distributions while also backing tougher red card rules ahead of this year’s tournament. The decisions were taken at a meeting of the FIFA Council in Vancouver, held before the organisation’s annual congress. Under the new plan, total World Cup payments to participating teams will rise to nearly 900 million dollars, covering prize money, preparation funds and club compensation. The four year World Cup cycle is projected to generate around 13 billion dollars for FIFA, allowing it to boost support to national associations. Prize money for the 2026 World Cup had already been set at about 655 million dollars, around 50 percent higher than at the 2022 tournament in Qatar. The champions are due to earn 50 million dollars, with 33 million dollars for the runners up and 9 million dollars […]
Xenophobia: NANS tells FG to protect Nigerian students in South Africa
The National Association of Nigerian Students has called on the Federal Government to urgently protect Nigerian students studying in South Africa amid renewed fears of xenophobic attacks. The students’ body said reports from South Africa show growing hostility towards foreigners, including Nigerians, and warned that the situation could escalate if not addressed quickly. NANS leaders urged the government to engage directly with South African authorities through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Nigeria’s High Commission in Pretoria. They said diplomatic pressure and clear agreements on the safety of Nigerians are necessary to prevent further attacks and harassment. The association also asked the Federal Government to issue a strong public statement condemning xenophobic violence and reassuring Nigerian students and their families that their safety is a priority. It noted that many students and parents are living in fear as disturbing videos […]
Related
Xenophobia: NANS tells FG to protect Nigerian students in South Africa
The National Association of Nigerian Students has called on the Federal Government to urgently protect Nigerian students studying in South Africa amid renewed fears of xenophobic attacks. The students’ body said reports from South Africa show growing hostility towards foreigners, including Nigerians, and warned that the situation could escalate if not addressed quickly. NANS leaders urged the government to engage directly with South African authorities through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Nigeria’s High Commission in Pretoria. They said diplomatic pressure and clear agreements on the safety of Nigerians are necessary to prevent further attacks and harassment. The association also asked the Federal Government to issue a strong public statement condemning xenophobic violence and reassuring Nigerian students and their families that their safety is a priority. It noted that many students and parents are living in fear as disturbing videos […]
Xenophobia: NANS tells FG to protect Nigerian students in South Africa
The National Association of Nigerian Students has called on the Federal Government to urgently protect Nigerian students studying in South Africa amid renewed fears of xenophobic attacks. The students’ body said reports from South Africa show growing hostility towards foreigners, including Nigerians, and warned that the situation could escalate if not addressed quickly. NANS leaders urged the government to engage directly with South African authorities through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Nigeria’s High Commission in Pretoria. They said diplomatic pressure and clear agreements on the safety of Nigerians are necessary to prevent further attacks and harassment. The association also asked the Federal Government to issue a strong public statement condemning xenophobic violence and reassuring Nigerian students and their families that their safety is a priority. It noted that many students and parents are living in fear as disturbing videos […]
Army arrests 10 terror suspects, rescues kidnap victims in North Central
The Nigerian Army says its troops have arrested 10 suspected terrorists and rescued kidnapped victims in recent operations across North Central states. The operations were carried out under various internal security deployments aimed at tackling banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes in the region. According to a statement by the Army, the suspects were picked up in separate raids on criminal hideouts following credible intelligence. Troops also engaged armed gangs in firefights that forced the criminals to flee and abandon some of their captives. In one of the operations, soldiers rescued at least three kidnap victims who had been held in a forest location. The victims were taken into military care for medical checks before being reunited with their families. The Army said the renewed push is part of a broader offensive to dismantle terrorist and kidnapping networks in North […]
Gunmen attack Ekiti church, kill pastor, abduct worshippers
Gunmen have attacked a church in Eda Oniyo community of Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State, killing the presiding pastor and abducting several worshippers during an evening service. The attack took place on Tuesday while the congregation was holding an open air crusade on the outskirts of the town. Witnesses said the assailants arrived in large numbers and were heavily armed. They reportedly opened fire, shooting the pastor on the spot before seizing some members of the church and marching them into the nearby forest. Although the exact number of those kidnapped has not been confirmed, residents say many worshippers are still unaccounted for, throwing the community into panic. Others managed to escape in the confusion, running into surrounding bushes to hide from the attackers. A top state government official and member of the Ekiti security committee, who spoke […]
Sanwo Olu says Hamzat best to succeed him as governor
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo Olu has described his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, as the best person to take over from him as governor in 2027. He said Hamzat has the experience, capacity and deep understanding of governance needed to lead the state. Sanwo Olu spoke after a closed door meeting at Lagos House, Marina, where Hamzat formally informed him and key stakeholders of his intention to run for governor. The meeting was attended by members of the State Executive Council, party leaders and influential figures within the All Progressives Congress. Addressing journalists, Sanwo Olu said there was broad agreement among stakeholders that Hamzat is fit, ready and well prepared for the job. He praised his deputy as a loyal partner who has played a central role in shaping policies and projects over the past seven years. The governor noted […]
₦1m salary useless without stable Naira – NLC
The Nigeria Labour Congress says a monthly salary of 1 million naira is meaningless for workers without a stable currency and better economic conditions. NLC President Joe Ajaero said this in an interview in Abuja, stressing that workers are more concerned about the real value of their income than the figures on paper. Ajaero explained that rising inflation and the continuous fall of the naira have sharply reduced the purchasing power of workers. He noted that many employees struggle to afford basic needs such as food, transport, healthcare and housing, regardless of how high their nominal salary appears. According to him, what matters is not just wage increases but policies that can strengthen the naira and bring down the cost of living. He argued that without price stability and a stronger currency, even a 1 million naira monthly wage will […]