Abuja–Kaduna Train : Rescued Victims Filed Written Complaints Against Alleged Negotiator, DSS Tells Court

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

The DSS operative, who testified on Thursday as the sixth prosecution witness (PW-6) in Mamu’s ongoing terrorism trial, made the disclosure during cross-examination by defence counsel, Johnson Usman, SAN, before Justice Mohammed Umar. The witness testified behind a protective screen for security reasons.

Under questioning, the investigator confirmed that some rescued victims, including the wife of a Commandant based in Jaji, formally lodged complaints with the DSS against the defendant. He stated clearly that the complaints were made in writing, not orally.

The prosecution counsel, David Kaswe, urged the court to prevent questions that could expose the identities of protected victims or witnesses, citing an existing order for witness protection. However, Usman argued that a trial held in camera should not infringe on the defendant’s right to fair hearing, noting that the individuals mentioned were not listed as witnesses.

The witness further revealed that six victims were interviewed during the investigation, none of them in Mamu’s presence. He also clarified that while 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 the session, the DSS investigator confirmed interviewing several key figures, including retired General Abdulkadir Abubakar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, and General Jalingo, though none were interviewed in the defendant’s presence. He also acknowledged that Mamu requested a face-to-face interrogation involving members of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Committee, a request that was not granted.

At the close of cross-examination, the prosecution announced its intention to close its case. The defence declined to file a no-case submission and instead requested time to open its defence. Justice Umar adjourned the matter to April 23 for the defendant to begin his defence.