11 years without trial: Nyanya bomb blast suspect cries out as judge threatens to dismiss case

DDM News

Aminu Sadiq Ogwuche has decried the 11-year delay in his terrorism trial over the 2014 Nyanya bombing.

The April 14, 2014 explosion at Nyanya Motor Park in Abuja claimed 75 lives and injured over 120 others, Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports.

Ogwuche, believed to be the mastermind, is standing trial alongside six others for terrorism-related offences.

He told the Federal High Court in Abuja that the prosecution had failed to diligently pursue the charges.

Through his lawyer, Abdusalam Abas, Ogwuche claimed there had been 97 adjournments based on flimsy prosecution excuses.

He asked the court to strike out the seven-count charge due to the prolonged and unjustifiable delay.

He also claimed the government had abandoned both the trial and his detention in DSS custody.

On Thursday, the prosecution sent a letter asking for another adjournment, citing other official engagements.

This drew protests from all defence counsels, who called the delay unconstitutional and unfair.

They urged Justice Peter Lifu to apply Section 351 of the ACJA to dismiss the charges.

Justice Lifu expressed deep frustration over the lack of seriousness from the Federal Ministry of Justice.

He referenced his July 2024 warning that the case risked dismissal if the prosecution continued to stall.

He described the situation as “absurd” and against principles of justice, liberty, and human rights.

Lifu said the 11-year incarceration without trial was neither justifiable nor acceptable in a lawful society.

Despite the failure, the judge said the serious nature of the allegations prevented immediate dismissal.

He granted the prosecution a final chance to present its case in court.

The court fixed June 18 and 19, 2025, as the last opportunity for the trial to proceed.

Failure to do so, the judge warned, would lead to dismissal of the charges.

Justice Lifu also ordered the DSS to allow the defendants access to lawyers, relatives, and friends.

This would help the accused prepare adequately for their defence in court.

Earlier, two judges had handled the case but made no headway due to prosecution failures.

Justice Adeniyi Ademola struck out an earlier two-count charge in November 2014 over similar delays.

Ogwuche, extradited from Sudan in July 2014, was 29 at the time of the alleged offence.

He is accused of conspiracy, terrorism, supporting Boko Haram, and withholding vital information.

He is also alleged to have financially assisted widows of Boko Haram fighters.

With co-accused Dr. Tsiga, he allegedly surveyed Abuja targets like Silverbird Galleria for terror attacks.

The other defendants are Mohammed Ishaq, Ya’u Saidu, Anas Isah, Adamu Yusuf, and Nasiru Abubakar.

They face trial under multiple sections of the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act, 2013.

Ogwuche’s fate now hinges on the prosecution’s ability to proceed by June.

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