The Department of State Services (DSS) says legal and procedural obstacles have slowed down the prosecution of suspects linked to the 26th of August, 2011, bombing of the UN building in Abuja.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the 5th of November, 2025, in Abuja, Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie, explained that five persons arrested in 2016 over the incident are already in court.
Dozie confirmed that delays have trailed the matter, noting that there were court sessions where the defendants showed up without lawyers.
”The DSS recently requested the court to grant accelerated hearing in the case, a request Justice Emeka Nwite granted.
”On Oct. 23 and 24, a trial-within-trial was conducted, during which videos of the defendants’ confessional statements were played in the courtroom.”
The statement added that Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, will continue the trial of two internationally wanted terrorism suspects on November 19.
Both men, described as high-risk operatives, were picked up in July following an intelligence-driven counterterrorism operation that took months to plan and execute. According to Dozie, they are believed to be senior figures of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan (ANSARU).
”One of the suspects, a self-styled Emir of ANSARU, allegedly coordinated various terrorist sleeper cells across Nigeria.
”He is also believed to have masterminded several high-profile kidnappings and robberies, the proceeds of which were used to finance terrorism over the years.
“The second suspect, chief of staff and deputy to the first suspect is alleged to have led the so-called “Mahmudawa” cell, which operated around the Kainji National Park.
”The cell is located on the border between the states of Niger and Kwara, as well as the Republic of Benin,” Dozie said.
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The DSS also referenced a statement issued by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) on Aug. 16, claiming one of the suspects underwent military-style training in Libya from 2013 to 2015, under foreign jihadist instructors from Egypt, Tunisia, and Algeria.
Both suspects are currently answering to a 32-count terrorism charge, including allegations tied to illegal mining.
Dozie added that another set of five suspects was brought before a Federal High Court in Abuja on Aug. 11 for their alleged roles in the June 5, 2022 attack at St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State.
”The suspects were arrested over the attack that led to the death of over 40 people and over 100 others injured were arraigned on a nine-count terrorism charge.
”Their charges include being members of Al Shabab terrorist group, with cell in Kogi, and carrying out the attack in furtherance of their religious ideology among others.