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DSS urges court to admit statements by terror suspects accused of spying on US, Israel’s interests

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DSS urges court to admit statements by terror suspects accused of spying on US, Israel’s interests

The Department of State Services (DSS) has urged a Federal High Court in Abuja to admit in evidence statements made by three terror suspects accused of spying on American and Israeli interests in Nigeria for certain individuals in Iran.

Haruna Ali Abbas, Ibrahim Hussaini Musa and Adam Suleiman were arrested in Kano and Lagos in 2013 and were arraigned on terrorism-related charges.

In the course of trial, the defendants objected to the admissibility of the extra-judicial statements they made during investigation, claiming not to have made them voluntarily. This prompted the court to conduct a trial-within-trial.

On Wednesday, lawyers to parties adopted their final written addresses in relation to the trial-within-trial, following which Justice Emeka Nwite adjourned ruling till a date to be communicated to the parties.

Prosecuting lawyer, Bello Abu, while adopting his final written address, took the court through the evidence supplied by the prosecution in the trial-within-trial to establish that the defendants made the statement voluntarily.

The DSS counsel faulted a claim by the defendants that they were compelled to make the statements. He argued that such came as an afterthought.

He prayed the court to admit the statements in evidence and proceed with the substantive trial.

Defence lawyers – Aliyu Yawuri,
Bala Dakun and Bello Ibrahim – argued otherwise, and prayed the court to reject the statements.

According to the charge, marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/129/2014, Abbas was said to have been arrested on March 16, 2013 at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano on his way from Lebanon.

Abbas is accused of recruiting young Nigerians, including Musa and Suleiman, for terrorism training in Iran.

He is also accused of participating in terrorist meetings, and equally alleged to have rendered support to an act of terrorism by agreeing to send persons for terrorist training in Iran.

Abbas is equally accused of “embarking on an act preparatory to an act of terrorism by compiling a list of American and Israeli concerns in Lagos, and their locations in map which included USA Consular office in Lagos and sent them to one Abu Ali in Iran using coded language with encryption software through his email addresses.”

On their part, Musa and Suleiman are charged with “conspiracy to do an act preparatory to an act of terrorism by obtaining Nigeria’s international passport and Iranian visa for the purpose of travelling to Iran for terrorist training.”

They are equally accused of “carrying on an act preparatory to an act of terrorism by carrying out in Abuja, Kano and Lagos surveillance on United States of America and Israeli embassies preparatory to terrorist attack.”

DSS urges court to admit statements by terror suspects accused of spying on US, Israel’s interests

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Adamawa Court fixes Nov. 3 for Furore Emirate case defense

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Adamawa Court fixes Nov. 3 for Furore Emirate case defense

Adamawa State High Court IV sitting in Yola on Wednesday adjourned a case challenging the Adamawa government for the creation of the Fufore emirate council from Adamawa emirate to November 3rd and 4th for defense.

Justice Musa Usman who presided over the case said, this at the end of two days hearing from the principal witness, plaintiffs.

The case which was filed by the three traditional titles holders of Adamawa emirate; Alhaji Musa Halilu, Dujuma Adamawa, Mustapha Dahiru, Yarima Adamawa and Alhaji Mustapha Ahmadu, Sarki Noma Adamawa that due process was not followed before the creation of Fufore emirate.

Manga Nurudeen (SAN), counsel to the plaintiffs, told newsmen at the end of the seating that they had called four witnesses in the case and concluded.

“As you may have seen, the court has adjourned to 3rd and 4th of November for the defense, for the government and the new airmen to bring their own witnesses to be cross examined.

The defense counsel, state Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Afraimu Jingi, also said they have successfully taken the evidence of the plaintiffs during the two days of seating.

“They listed five witnesses they were able to call four and they closed their case.

“And fortunately we have been able to answer the questions to our mind that we thought we can discredit them to our mind which is left to the court to determine”, he said.

According to him, they were satisfied with the proceedings and they do not have any burden on them as the next agenda will be defense.

Adamawa Court fixes Nov. 3 for Furore Emirate case defense

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NSCDC Promotes Grassroots Security, Community-Based Intelligence

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NSCDC Promotes Grassroots Security, Community-Based Intelligence

By: Michael Mike

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has reiterated its commitment to strengthening grassroots security and community-based intelligence across the country as tools for tackling insecurity.

The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Prof. Ahmed Audi gave the commitment during his working visit of Anambra State as part of his continued strategic operational tour of the South East.

Audi, who was received by the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Soludo, noted that his visit was aimed at assessing the welfare of personnel, understanding field challenges, and reinforcing the Corps’ operational capacity in the region.

Speaking during the courtesy call at the Government House, Awka, the Commandant General commended the Governor for his administration’s proactive efforts in maintaining peace and stability. He also solicited greater logistical and infrastructural support to enhance the NSCDC’s performance in the state.

He said: “Security must begin from the grassroots. That is where the people live, work, and build the future. The Corps remains resolute in delivering quality service and ensuring that the confidence of Nigerians, particularly Ndi Anambra, in our operations is not misplaced.”

Soludo, in his response, commended the NSCDC for its professionalism, discipline, and resilience, especially in safeguarding critical national assets and public infrastructure.

He said: “Here in Anambra, the Light of the Nation, our greatest asset is our people: creative, enterprising, and innovative. They are the engine of our economy. Ensuring their safety and prosperity is a shared responsibility, and we appreciate the NSCDC for standing firm in that mission.”

The governor pledged continued partnership and support for the Corps, affirming that security remains the foundation for the state’s economic growth and innovation-driven development.

The Commandant General’s tour of Anambra is part of a nationwide operational assessment aimed at improving welfare, operational readiness, and synergy among security stakeholders. It underscores the NSCDC’s renewed focus on community trust, proactive engagement, and service excellence under Prof. Audi’s leadership.

NSCDC Promotes Grassroots Security, Community-Based Intelligence

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Security forces rescue three kidnapped women in Zamfara

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Security forces rescue three kidnapped women in Zamfara

By: Zagazola Makama

Security forces have rescued three kidnapped women following a gun battle with bandits along the Anka–Bukkuyum road in Anka Local Government Area.

Sources said the incident occurred at about 6 p.m. on Oct. 7, when armed bandits blocked the highway and attacked a Golf vehicle with registration number RBC 22 ABUJA.

The assailants abducted the driver and three passengers before the arrival of the Anti-Kidnapping team led by Insp. Ibrahim Ubandoma.

The security team engaged the bandits in a fierce shootout, overpowering them and rescuing the three abducted passengers unhurt.

The rescued victims were identified as Lantana Abubakar, aged 70; Fatima Muhammad, aged 45; and Suwaiba Muhammad, aged 40, all residents of Gummi town in Gummi Local Government Area.

The victims were safely escorted to Anka town by the security team.

Efforts are ongoing to rescue the remaining abducted driver, as patrol operations continue in the area.

Security forces rescue three kidnapped women in Zamfara

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