Alleged terrorism: Rescued train attack victims petitioned DSS against Tukur Mamu

A Department of State Services (DSS) operative on Thursday told the Federal High Court in Abuja that several victims rescued from the 2022 Abuja–Kaduna train attack submitted written complaints to the agency against alleged terrorist negotiator, Tukur Mamu.

The DSS investigator, who testified as the sixth prosecution witness (PW-6) in Mamu’s ongoing terrorism trial, made the disclosure while being cross-examined by defence counsel, Johnson Usman (SAN), before Justice Mohammed Umar.

Answering questions behind a witness screen for security reasons, the witness confirmed that some of the rescued victims, including the wife of the Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Jaji, formally lodged complaints against the defendant. He added that the complaints were submitted in writing.

Counsel to the DSS, David Kaswe, urged the court to prevent questions that could reveal the identities of protected victims and witnesses. In response, Usman argued that the questions did not concern witnesses before the court and that a trial in camera should not prejudice the defendant.

The witness told the court that he interviewed six victims during the investigation, noting that none of the interviews was conducted in Mamu’s presence.

He also confirmed that although he was not a vocologist, the audio exhibit tendered by the prosecution was an extract from a transcribed conversation allegedly between Mamu and the terrorists.

During cross-examination, the witness disclosed that former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor (retd.), was not interviewed, but Gen. Abdulkadir Abubakar was. He also confirmed interviewing Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, and Gen. Jalingo, but said none of the interviews took place in Mamu’s presence.

The witness further stated that members of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Committee were not brought face-to-face with Mamu during the investigation, despite the defendant’s request.

He confirmed that Mamu told investigators he was a journalist and publisher of a newspaper and magazine, and that his income was derived from journalism, adding that the DSS investigated the claim.

Following the cross-examination, prosecution counsel informed the court of its intention to close its case. However, Usman said the defence would not file a no-case submission but would instead apply for a date to open its defence.

Justice Umar adjourned the case to April 23 for the defendant to open his defence.