Category Archives: News

Oil prices fall again after Trump says Venezuela to send oil to U.S.

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Oil prices continued to fall on Wednesday morning, on fears of a supply increase after U.S. President Donald Trump said Venezuela will send up to 50 million barrels to the United States.

In a post on his Truth Social platform on Tuesday, Trump said Venezuela’s interim government would hand over between 30 million and 50 million barrels of “sanctioned oil” to the U.S., in a move he framed as benefiting both nations. A barrel contains 159 litres.

The amount is the equivalent of one to two months of Venezuelan oil production.

The oil would be sold at market prices, and proceeds would be controlled by him as president to ensure they were used “to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States,” Trump posted.

Read Also: Africa must produce Oil, Gas – NJ Ayuk

A barrel of North Sea Brent for delivery in March fell on Wednesday morning by 56 cents, or nearly 1 per cent, to 60.14 dollars, after the price fell by nearly 2 per cent on Tuesday.

The price for a barrel of U.S. grade WTI for delivery in February fell by 73 cents, or 1.3 per cent, to 56.40 dollars.

It was initially unclear over what period the volume of crude oil cited by Trump would be made available by Venezuela.

Oil is Venezuela’s most important source of revenue and foreign currency.

The new leadership in Caracas did not immediately comment on Trump’s announcement.

(dpa/NAN)

Conference in Mendefera targets eradication of underage marriage, female genital mutilation

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A conference aimed at eradicating harmful traditional practices, particularly underage marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM), was held in Mendefera, Southern Region, on January 5.

The conference focused on strengthening the role of religious leaders and influential community members in efforts to eliminate the practices.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Qaleab Tesfaselasie, Director General of Social Services in the Southern Region, noted that while progress has been made, underage marriage and FGM have not been completely eradicated. He called on religious leaders to intensify their involvement by using the influence and responsibility they hold within their communities.

Also addressing participants, Mr. Gebrehiwet Teklu, Head of the Regional Attorney General’s Office, provided an extensive briefing on Eritrea’s civil and criminal laws. He explained that marriages involving persons under the age of 18 and the practice of FGM are punishable offences under Articles 615 and 537 of Eritrea’s Criminal Law, respectively, outlining the legal consequences for offenders.

On his part, Dr. Amanuel Mihreteab, Head of the Ministry of Health branch in the region, urged the public to abandon harmful beliefs and actively participate in efforts to eliminate practices that endanger the health and well-being of women and girls.

Participants at the conference expressed their readiness to play an active role in the campaign against harmful practices and called on relevant institutions to sustain public awareness and education programmes across communities.

AU, UAE deepen strategic partnership at high-level Addis Ababa meeting

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The African Union Commission (AUC) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation following a high-level meeting held on January 6, 2026, in Addis Ababa.

The meeting brought together the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, and the UAE Minister of State, H.E. Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, and built on the first round of political consultations held in Abu Dhabi on September 13, 2025, under the framework of the 2019 Memorandum of Understanding between both parties.

During the talks, both sides reviewed progress made since the inaugural consultations, exchanged views on priority areas of cooperation, and reaffirmed their commitment to sustained political dialogue and an expanded UAE–AU partnership.

They underscored the importance of Agenda 2063, particularly the flagship initiative “Silencing the Guns by 2030”, alongside the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The discussions highlighted the mutually reinforcing link between peace, security, trade and development, with both sides agreeing to intensify cooperation in support of these strategic objectives. They noted that lasting peace is critical for economic integration, while increased trade and investment foster stability, resilience and sustainable development across Africa.

The AUC and UAE also welcomed the launch of the USD 1 billion “AI for Development” initiative by the UAE, announced at the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg in November 2025. Both parties acknowledged its potential to advance Africa’s development priorities through innovation and digital transformation.

On regional peace and security, the Chairperson and the Minister exchanged views on developments in the Horn of Africa, stressing the close interconnection between stability in the region and security in the Arabian Gulf, particularly in relation to maritime security and regional prosperity.

Read Also: Emirates marks 30 years of operations in Nairobi, strengthening Kenya–UAE ties

Addressing the situation in Sudan, both sides called for an immediate and unconditional humanitarian truce, a permanent ceasefire, unhindered humanitarian access across the country, accountability for violations of international humanitarian law, and the establishment of an independent, civilian-led government that reflects the aspirations of the Sudanese people.

They recalled the joint statement issued by the AUC and IGAD on September 14, 2025, welcoming the QUAD Joint Statement of September 12, 2025, as well as the High-Level Humanitarian Conference convened on the margins of the AU Summit in February 2025. The parties welcomed regional and international efforts to address Sudan’s humanitarian crisis, condemned atrocities against civilians, and reaffirmed their support for Sudan’s unity, territorial integrity and a peaceful resolution of the conflict.

On Somalia, both sides reiterated their support for the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, security and stability.

The meeting also reaffirmed the position that Iran’s occupation of the three UAE islands—Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa—constitutes a violation of the UAE’s sovereignty and the principles of the United Nations Charter. Both parties reiterated support for a peaceful resolution of the dispute in accordance with international law, including through bilateral negotiations or the International Court of Justice.

In line with the 2026 AU theme on water and sanitation, both sides highlighted the upcoming 2026 United Nations Water Conference, to be co-hosted by the UAE and Senegal, as a key platform to advance global action on water resilience. They agreed to work closely on action-oriented initiatives with measurable impact across Africa, including through the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative.

The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to deepening AUC–UAE cooperation across shared priorities in support of peace, stability and sustainable development on the African continent.

Human Rights Watch flags Egypt’s education, health spending shortfalls

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The Egyptian government is failing to meet constitutional and international benchmarks for education and health care, Human Rights Watch said on Thursday, warning that inadequate funding is undermining citizens’ access to essential services.

According to the rights group, Egypt is falling short of providing free primary education and quality health care accessible to all, with chronic underfunding contributing to shortages of classrooms, teachers, doctors, and nurses. Families are increasingly forced to cover school fees and medical costs out of pocket, while health workers reportedly pay for essential hospital supplies themselves.

“The Egyptian government has failed for years to adequately ensure the rights of education and health for everyone, as demonstrated by its chronic underfunding,” said Amr Magdi, senior Middle East and North Africa researcher at Human Rights Watch. “The lack of adequate funding for health and education demonstrates the government’s deep indifference toward its citizens’ rights.”

Human Rights Watch analysis shows that education spending has decreased over the past five years both in inflation-adjusted terms and as a percentage of GDP and government expenditure. For the 2025-26 fiscal year, the education budget is 315 billion Egyptian pounds (US$6.3 billion), equivalent to 1.5 percent of GDP and 4.7 percent of government expenditure—the lowest share since at least 2019.

Egypt’s 2014 Constitution requires a minimum of 6 percent of GDP on education, while international standards recommend 4–6 percent of GDP and 15–20 percent of public expenditure. Human Rights Watch noted that Egypt’s current allocation places it in the 12th percentile of lower middle-income countries, below 88 percent of comparable nations.

The organization also highlighted shortages of classrooms and teachers, as well as the cost burden on families. In 2019, households spent an average of 10.4 percent of income on school-related expenses, including fees, materials, and private tutoring.

The 2025-26 health budget of 245 billion pounds (US$4.9 billion) represents just 1.1 percent of GDP and 3.6 percent of government expenditure, below the 3 percent constitutional minimum. Inflation-adjusted spending has remained largely flat, and per-person funding has not increased over the past three years.

Human Rights Watch said the health system faces severe shortages, with 11,536 doctors resigning from the public sector between 2019 and March 2022 and around 7,000 leaving the country in 2023. Egypt’s doctor-to-population ratio was 6.71 per 10,000 people in 2020, below the WHO minimum recommendation of 10. There is also a shortage of 75,000 nurses, according to the Nursing Syndicate.

Most health care costs—over 57 percent in 2023—are paid out of pocket, creating inequalities in access. The 2018 Universal Health Insurance Law aims for full coverage by 2030, but Human Rights Watch said funding remains insufficient.

Egypt is a party to international agreements including the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which require governments to take deliberate steps to realize citizens’ rights to education and health.

Human Rights Watch urged the government to guarantee free primary education and ensure high-quality health care is accessible to all, warning that reductions in spending on these sectors are presumptively a violation of these obligations unless fully justified.

“By systematically failing to meet constitutional spending requirements for education and health for many years, the government is neglecting the very sectors that would enable citizens to live with dignity and for the economy to thrive,” Magdi said. “This years-long failure shows that the government’s talk of social and economic rights is essentially lip service.”

Human Rights Watch contacted Egypt’s ministries of education and health on December 22, 2025, but did not receive a response.

DSS, Military instrumental in release of Kwara church worshippers – Onanuga

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Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, has revealed that a non-kinetic approach was instrumental in securing the release of 38 worshippers abducted in Kwara State.

The victims were kidnapped from Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State on November 18.

Following the incident, Adeola Ajayi, Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), briefed President Tinubu on November 21 regarding the growing security concerns across the country.

On November 23, the President announced that all abductees had regained their freedom, commending the joint efforts of the nation’s security agencies.

“Thanks to the efforts of our security forces over the last few days, all the 38 worshippers abducted in Eruku, Kwara State have been rescued.”

“I am closely monitoring the security situation nationwide and receiving continuous updates from the frontline.

“Let me be clear: I will not relent. Every Nigerian, in every state, has the right to safety — and under my watch, we will secure this nation and protect our people,” the president announced in a statement.

Read Also: Police arrest suspected bandits gun fixer, suppliers in Kwara

However, speaking on Arise Television’s Prime Time on Monday, Onanuga credited the successful operation to the DSS and military, noting that security operatives engaged the kidnappers strategically and established communication channels to secure the victims’ safe release.

“After the incident, the DSS and the military were involved in the rescue effort. They got in contact with the bandits to release the captives unharmed,” he said. “On Sunday, they were able to get them out safely. The security agencies have a way of tracking these people.”

He added that the gunmen understood the consequences of resisting government demands. “They know they could be pummelled,” he said.

Onanuga explained that a direct military assault would have been risky, as the abductors typically use captives as human shields, potentially leading to significant civilian casualties.

“Attacking their base could be risky because you can kill the civilians,” he noted.

He further stated that security authorities would determine the “next line of action” regarding the perpetrators.

UK, Australia, Canada launch campaign against visa fraud

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The Diplomatic Missions of the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia have launched a campaign against visa fraud in order to protect victims from exploitation by fraudulent immigration facilitators.

In a joint statement on Monday, the missions said the campaign would raise awareness of the consequences of visa fraud.

It said the fraud costs victims millions of pounds annually and puts vulnerable people at risk of exploitation, financial ruin and legal consequences.

The #FightingVisaFraud campaign was launched during the International Fraud Awareness Week from Nov. 16 to Nov. 22.

According to the missions, fraud and illegal immigration facilitation have reached alarming levels globally, with criminal networks using sophisticated tactics to deceive prospective visa applicants.

“Victims are often promised guaranteed visas, jobs without proper qualifications, or expedited processing in exchange for exorbitant fees. The reality is financial loss, visa refusals, travel bans and, in the worst cases, trafficking and exploitation.”

The statement quoted British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr Richard Montgomery, to have said that visa fraud destroys dreams and devastates families.

Montgomery said criminal facilitators prey on people’s legitimate aspirations for a better life, stealing their money and putting them at risk of harm.

Read Also: Canada imposes retaliatory tariffs on U.S imports

“Through this joint campaign with our international partners, we are sending a clear message, use only official channels, verify all advice, and report suspicious activity.

“The UK welcomes legitimate visa applications through proper routes but those who attempt fraud face serious consequences, including 10-year travel bans,” he said.

Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Pasquale Salvaggio, said Canada was committed to working with international partners to combat visa fraud and protect people from exploitation.

According to him, the campaign reflects the missions shared values and determination to maintain fair, secure immigration systems while supporting those who legally seek to travel, study or work.

In the statement, the missions urged prospective visa applicants to use only official government websites for visa information and applications.

“Verify immigration advisers are properly registered and regulated, be suspicious of guarantees as no one can guarantee visa approval.

”Watch for warning signs including demands for excessive fees, pressure to pay quickly, promises of jobs without proper qualifications, or offers to bypass standard requirements and report suspicious activity to the relevant authorities.

“People who attempt to obtain a visa through fraudulent means face serious consequences, including visa application refusal, travel bans of up to 10 years, financial loss with no recourse, criminal charges in some jurisdictions, and exploitation and trafficking risks.”

To find legitimate information, visa applicants are to visit www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration for the United Kingdom and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada-Canada.ca for Canada.

(NAN)

Alleged N3.1bn fraud: Court adjourns Suswam’s trial

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The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday, adjourned the trial of former Governor of Benue, Gabriel Suswam  until Jan. 20, 2026 for adoption of final written address.

Justice Peter Lifu adjourned the matter after Suswam and his co-defendant, Omodachi Okolobia, the then Commissioner for Finance in Benue, closed their defence in the money laundering trial

Justice Lifu gave the EFCC, the prosecuting agency, 14 days to file and serve their final written address and 14 days for the defendants to respond upon service before adjournment.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Suswam and Okolobia are facing an 11-count amended charge.

The offences bordered on alleged misappropriation of N3.1 billion said to be part of proceeds from the sale of shares owned by the Benue State Government through the Benue Investment and Property Company Limited.

The transactions were allegedly carried out through Elixir Securities Limited and Elixir Investment Partners Limited.

The EFCC had closed its case after calling nine witnesses.

But instead of the defendants to open their defence, they opted for a no-case-submission, arguing that they did not have a case to answer on the alleged diversion of the public funds.

Justice Lifu, however, in a ruling on July 23, dismissed the no-case submission filed by Suswam and his co-defendant and ordered them to open their defence.

According to the judge, the totality of evidence the anti-graft agency adduced before the court established a prima facie case that warranted an explanation from the defendants.

He held that the no-case submission lacked merit.

Suswam, who piloted the affairs of Benue from 2007 to 2015, alongside his co-defendant, had in the application they anchored on Sections 302 and 303 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, prayed the court to terminate further proceedings on the case against them.

Read Also: Court remands five over alleged murder

They contended that the EFCC failed, by way of credible evidence, to link them with allegations it raised in the charge before the court.

Their request was, however, opposed by the prosecution, which insisted that both documentary and oral evidence of witnesses that testified in the matter nailed the defendants to the alleged crime.

Delivering his ruling, Justice Lifu held that he found no merit in the defendants’ applications and accordingly dismissed them.

“Consequently, upon my conclusion on the above stated, the defendants’ no-case submission is hereby refused and dismissed.

“The defendants are hereby called upon to enter their various defences,” Justice Lifu held.

The EFCC had, in 2015, charged the erstwhile governor and his former commissioner of finance to court following an allegation that they looted proceeds of shares owned by the Benue government and Benue Investment and Property Company Ltd.

EFCC alleged that the duo laundered about N3.1 billion using two companies—Elixir Securities Limited and Elixir Investment Partners Limited—as their conduit pipes.

The defendants were subsequently re-arraigned before the court on Nov. 2, 2020.

In the amended charge, the EFCC, among other things, alleged that the 2nd defendant, Okolobia, transacted a total sum of N578 million in four tranches, in excess of the threshold of cash transactions permitted by the money laundering law.

He was said to have committed the offences between December 2014 and January 2015.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charge, and the court ordered their release on bail, pending the determination of the case.

(NAN)

COP30: Global investments project $1trn for grids, storage by 2035

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 The Global Investments in clean energy are protecting a 1 trillion dollar for grids, storage toward quadrupling sustainable fuels by 2035.

This is contained in an executive summary of the outcomes report on Global Climate Action Agenda at the 30th Conference of Parties in Belem, Brazil.

According to the report, the developing countries are leading the race on industrial decarbonisation, ”  tens of thousands of electric vehicles, thousands of gigawatts of renewable energy, hundreds of clean industrial projects, novel carbon removal technologies.

“Under the COP 30 Global Climate Action Agenda, the Green Grids Initiative launched at COP26 and the Utilities for Net Zero Alliance (UNEZA) launched at COP28, united with the Clean Energy Ministerial, IRENA, the IEA and others to deliver a global plan.

“ The global plan is to accelerate expansion and resilience of power grids and invest 1 trillion U.S. dollars  to triple their collective renewable capacity by 2030.

“This is what it takes to transition the energy, transport and industry sectors away from fossil fuels, enabling increased energy access,“ he said.

The report said hundreds of million hectares of forest, land and ocean were protected or restored while millions of farmers were transitioning to regenerative agriculture practices.

It said traditional communities and Afro-descendant groups secured land rights of millions of Indigenous peoples.

It further said that a total of 9 billion U.S. dollars in committed investment, covering more than 210 million hectares of land.

Read Also: COP30: Development Banks pledge innovative climate financing for adaptation

“Also, reaching 12 million farmers across more than 90 agricultural and food commodities building resilience across entire value chains in over 110 countries by 2030.

“ This is how we steward forests, oceans and biodiversity, and how we transform the agriculture and food systems,“ it said

The report pointed out that 437.7 million people became more resilient than to the race to resilience campaign.

According to the report, 162 companies, cities, and regions covering 25,000 buildings and  400 billion U.S. dollars in annual turnover cut over 850,000 tonnes of CO₂ in 2024  surpassing one million tonnes reduced in total.

“The CHAMP coalition launched at COP28, delivered two-thirds of new nationally determined contributions with stronger subnational and urban content among its 78 members.

“Millions of jobs created, new skills developed to build resilience for cities, infrastructure and water, while fostering human and social development,“ the report said.

According to the report, trillions of dollars pivot into the transition with new partnerships and innovation to scale finance from the private sector, governments, and financial institutions, including for adaptation finance.

“ This is how climate action begins to function as an economy in its own right one that unleashes finance, technology and capacity-building to reward protection and long-term stability, “ it said. (NAN)

Police arrest suspected bandits gun fixer, suppliers in Kwara

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The Police Command in Kwara has arrested a man from Makurdi accused of repairing and supplying guns to bandits operating in the state.

The command also confirmed the arrest of several suspects alleged to be supplying food, drugs and other essentials to bandits in remote hideouts.

Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, disclosed the arrests on Friday after the state security council meeting at the Government House, Ilorin.

Ojo said the council lamented what it described as the harmful effects of social media on operations against insurgents, especially on sensitive security reports.

He praised the Military, Police and the DSS for recent deployments in Kwara, which he said aligned with directives issued by President Bola Tinubu.

He also lauded the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for deploying four tactical teams, including SWAT, IRT, SIS and STS, to address emerging threats.

Read Also: Kwara begins free hepatitis screening in 16 LGAs

Ojo said the meeting reviewed intelligence gathered after the recent bandit attack in Eruku, including ongoing efforts to track the perpetrators and rescue victims.

He noted the council welcomed increased deployments, including air interdictions that had forced kidnappers from several hideouts, especially in Ifelodun.

The council, he said, called for continued air bombardments of identified criminal enclaves across the state to deter further attacks.

Ojo added that the Police and DSS recorded arrests of fuel and food suppliers linked to bandits, including a Makurdi suspect who confessed to fixing weapons.

He said the meeting approved joint patrols by security forces across the state as the Yuletide period draws near.

It also recommended stronger security measures around areas considered vulnerable to criminal attacks.

Ojo said the council again warned about the damaging influence of social media in the fight against violent non-state actors.

He said members expressed concern over how sensitive information, including ransom demands, is spread, putting citizens at greater risk.

The council urged the public to exercise caution in sharing information online for the sake of collective safety.

It also advised residents to avoid night farming and late outings that could expose them to danger.

Ojo said citizens were encouraged to promptly report suspicious movements to security agencies, government officials and traditional rulers.

(NAN) 

Court adjourns suspected UN House bombers’ trial-within-trial until Dec. 5

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The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Friday, adjourned the trial-within-trial of five defendants who allegedly bombed the United Nations (UN) House in Abuja until Dec. 5.

Justice Emeka Nwite fixed the date after the video evidence of the 1st defendant was played and watched in the courtroom.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the trial-within-trial is to determine the genuiness or otherwise of the allegations by the defendants that they made their extra-judicial statements to the Department of State Service (DSS) under duress.

The five terror suspects led by Khalid Al‑Barnawi are accused by DSS of being the masterminds of the Aug. 26, 2011 bombing of the UN Complex in Abuja, during which 20 people were killed and more than 70 others injured.

Captured in 2016, Al-Barnawi is facing trial along with four other defendants, including Mohammed Bashir Saleh; Umar Mohammed Bello, aka Datti; Mohammed Salisu, and Yakubu Nuhu, aka Bello Maishayi.

The trial had been delayed for an extended period due to legal and procedural issues, including the suspects being occasionally brought to court without any counsel appearing for them.

The DSS recently sought an accelerated hearing in the case, a request Justice Nwite granted.

At Friday’s proceedings, three video clips on how the statements of Al-Barnawi were played in the open court by DSS lawyers to debunk the allegations of defendants that their statements were not made voluntarily.

After the conclusion of video evidence of Al-Barnawi, the judge fixed Dec. 5 for the commencement of the video watch on other defendants.

Earlier on Friday, Justice Nwite, in another charge, marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/129/2014, delivered a ruling on the admissibility of exhibits tendered by the DSS against three suspected terrorists.

In the ruling, the judge admitted the extra-judicial statements made by the defendants.

The defendants are Haruna Ali Abbas, Ibrahim Hussaini Musa and Adam Sulaiman who are named as 1st to 3rd defendants respectively.

They are being tried for allegedly spying on the US, and Israel’s interests for individuals in Iran.
So
The case, which has been ongoing since 2014 and re-assigned multiple times, reached a point in August 2025 during a trial-within-trial to determine if the defendants’ alleged extra-judicial statements were made voluntarily or under dures

The defendants claimed that they were coerced, harassed and intimidated to make their statements, while the prosecution argued that the statements were made voluntarily and kept in a conducive atmosphere.

The prosecution claimed that the accused persons read through the statements, through the cautionary words and signed, hence, should be admitted in evidence.

Justice Nwite, who ordered a trial-within-trial, allowed both parties to call witnesses who gave evidence.

The prosecution who called three witnesses said they conducted their operations within the best standard procedure, as they paid attention to the welfare of suspects in their custody in terms of food and medications while also allowing them access to their families.

The defendants on the other hand recounted their alleged torture in the DSS facility, alleging that they were beaten and given inhuman treatment.

After hearing arguments from both the prosecution and defence counsel, Justice Nwite on Friday ruled that the defendants statements be admitted in evidence.

The judge held that the prosecution through the witnesses proved to the court that they were not forced to make their statements.

“In view of the foregoing, I am of the view and so hold that the extra-judicial statement of the defendant is admissible in evidence.

“Consequently, same is hereby admitted and marked as Exhibit 3 and 3A respectively,” he declared.

Read Also: BREAKING: Court sentences Nnamdi Kanu to life imprisonment

Justice Nwite then adjourned the matter until Jan. 22, 2026 for substantive hearing.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

TOA

Court adjourns suspected UN House bombers’ trial-within-trial until Dec. 5

Adjournment

By Taiye Agbaje

Abuja, Nov. 21, 2025 (NAN) The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Friday, adjourned the trial-within-trial of five defendants who allegedly bombed the United Nations (UN) House in Abuja until Dec. 5.

Justice Emeka Nwite fixed the date after the video evidence of the 1st defendant was played and watched in the courtroom.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the trial-within-trial is to determine the genuiness or otherwise of the allegations by the defendants that they made their extra-judicial statements to the Department of State Service (DSS) under duress.

The five terror suspects led by Khalid Al‑Barnawi are accused by DSS of being the masterminds of the Aug. 26, 2011 bombing of the UN Complex in Abuja, during which 20 people were killed and more than 70 others injured.

Captured in 2016, Al-Barnawi is facing trial along with four other defendants, including Mohammed Bashir Saleh; Umar Mohammed Bello, aka Datti; Mohammed Salisu, and Yakubu Nuhu, aka Bello Maishayi.

The trial had been delayed for an extended period due to legal and procedural issues, including the suspects being occasionally brought to court without any counsel appearing for them.

The DSS recently sought an accelerated hearing in the case, a request Justice Nwite granted.

At Friday’s proceedings, three video clips on how the statements of Al-Barnawi were played in the open court by DSS lawyers to debunk the allegations of defendants that their statements were not made voluntarily.

After the conclusion of video evidence of Al-Barnawi, the judge fixed Dec. 5 for the commencement of the video watch on other defendants.

Earlier on Friday, Justice Nwite, in another charge, marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/129/2014, delivered a ruling on the admissibility of exhibits tendered by the DSS against three suspected terrorists.

In the ruling, the judge admitted the extra-judicial statements made by the defendants.

The defendants are Haruna Ali Abbas, Ibrahim Hussaini Musa and Adam Sulaiman who are named as 1st to 3rd defendants respectively in the eight-count charge.

They are being tried for allegedly spying on the US, and Israel’s interests for individuals in Iran.

Also, Abbas, 49 years old, was alleged to have, between 2009 to 2012, did an act in furtherance of an act of terrorism to recruit and send “one Ibrahim Husseini Musa and eight others now at large to Iran for terrorist training by an internationally suspected terrorist group known as Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps, Quds Force (IRGC-QF).

The offence is contrary to Section 1 (1) (a) of the Terrorism (Prevention) Act, 2011 (as amended by the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act, 2013) and punishable under Section 33 (1) (a) of the same Act.

The case, which has been ongoing since 2014 and re-assigned multiple times, reached a point in August 2025 during a trial-within-trial to determine if the defendants’ alleged extra-judicial statements were made voluntarily or under dures

The defendants claimed that they were coerced, harassed and intimidated to make their statements, while the prosecution argued that the statements were made voluntarily and kept in a conducive atmosphere.

The prosecution claimed that the accused persons read through the statements, through the cautionary words and signed, hence, should be admitted in evidence.

Justice Nwite, who ordered a trial-within-trial, allowed both parties to call witnesses who gave evidence.

The prosecution who called three witnesses said they conducted their operations within the best standard procedure, as they paid attention to the welfare of suspects in their custody in terms of food and medications while also allowing them access to their families.

The defendants on the other hand recounted their alleged torture in the DSS facility, alleging that they were beaten and given inhuman treatment.

After hearing arguments from both the prosecution and defence counsel, Justice Nwite on Friday ruled that the defendants statements be admitted in evidence.

The judge held that the prosecution through the witnesses proved to the court that they were not forced to make their statements.

“In view of the foregoing, I am of the view and so hold that the extra-judicial statement of the defendant is admissible in evidence.

“Consequently, same is hereby admitted and marked as Exhibit 3 and 3A respectively,” he declared.

Justice Nwite then adjourned the matter until Jan. 22, 2026 for substantive hearing.

(NAN)