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Tag: Al-Barnawi

  • How I joined Al-Barnawi’s terror group, suspect tells court in UN building bombing trial

    How I joined Al-Barnawi’s terror group, suspect tells court in UN building bombing trial

    …hearing continues March 2

    One of the suspects being prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS), along with Mohammed Usman (Khalid Al-Barnawi) and three others for being behind the August 26, 2011, bombing of the United Nations building in Abuja, has told a Federal High Court in Abuja how he joined the terror group called Ansaru.

    Al-Barnawi is, in court documents, alleged to be the leader of the Boko Haram dissident splinter group, Ansaru.

    At the resumption of proceedings trial on Wednesday, the second defendant, Mohammed Bashir Saleh, in a video recording played in open court, said he joined Ansaru, led by Al- Barnawi in Bauchi shortly before the attack on the UN building, and that from that moment, their relationship blossomed.

    Al- Barnawi was arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) in April 2016 in Lokoja, Kogi State, five years after the attack on the Abuja UN building, the first of such attacks on an international agency’s property in the country, which left over 20 individuals dead and over 70 others injured.

    Al- Barnawi, also known variously as Kafuri/ Naziru/Alhaji Yahaya/Mallam Dauda/Alhaji Tanimu, is being prosecuted by the DSS along with Mohammed Bashir Saleh; Umar Mohammed Bello (aka Datti; Mohammed Salisu) and Yakubu Nuhu (aka Bello Maishayi).

    At Wednesday’s proceedings, the court saw another video recording of the interview session involving Saleh and subsequently commenced the cross-examination of the third prosecution witness in the ongoing trial-within-trial being conducted to ascertain the voluntariness or otherwise of the confessional statements made by the defendants.

    Under cross-examination by the lawyer to the first defendant (Al-Barnawi), F. K. Kaigama, the witness, identified as “TSR3,” said he works in the Technical Department of the DSS, and that part of his functions includes setting up an audio/video recording machine in the interview room.

    The witness said he also engages in audio/video recording of suspects during interview sessions.

    On what are his other functions, the witness said, “In addition to the stated functions, I also undertake computer forensic examinations, mobile phone forensic examinations, crime scene investigation, like fingerprint collection from the crime scene and analysis at the laboratory.

    The witness said he did more than set up the forensic audio/video recording machine in relation to the first defendant. He added that he did the audio-video recording of the interview session of the first defendant in real time (that is, as it was happening).

    He said the third thing he did in relation to the first defendant was the audio/visual recording of the statement-taking session and the audio/visual recording of the translation of the statement of the first defendant.

    On whether there is a person known as James in the Technical Department where he works, the witness said there are several Jameses in the Technical Department of the DSS.

    At that point, Justice Emeka Nwite directed the postponement of further proceedings because he had other engagements.

    With the agreement of lawyers to parties in the case, Justice Nwite adjourned till March 2 for the continuation of the cross-examination of PW3 in the trial-within-trial.

  • UN complex bombing: Court admits evidence in DSS case against Al-Barnawi, other terror suspects

    UN complex bombing: Court admits evidence in DSS case against Al-Barnawi, other terror suspects

    A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja yesterday admitted in evidence three video clips supplied by the Department of State Services (DSS) to puncture claims of duress by five suspected masterminds of the 2011 bombing of the United Nations complex in Abuja facing trial.

    The presiding judge, Justice Emeka Nwite, fixed December 5 for continuation of the trial-within-trial of five defendants, including Khalid Al‑Barnawi

    The trial-within-trial will involve the playback of video clips in the courtroom to determine the veracity of claims by the defendants that they made their extra-judicial statements before the DSS under duress.

    The DSS accused the five terror suspects led by Al-Barnawi of being the masterminds of the August 26, 2011 bombing of the United Nations Complex in Abuja. At least 20 people were killed while more than 70 others were injured in the attack.

    Captured in 2016, Al-Barnawi is facing trial alongside four other terror suspects – Mohammed Bashir Saleh, Umar Mohammed Bello a.k.a. Datti, Mohammed Salisu and Yakubu Nuhu a.k.a. Bello Maishayi.

    The trial suffered several delays due to legal and procedural challenges thrown up by the defendants, including the absence of legal representation on several occasions the suspects were brought to court.

    However, all that changed after Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi’s appointment as Director General, with him insisting on speedy trial for suspects he inherited as well as for those arrested under his watch.

    The DSS recently requested the court to grant accelerated hearing in the case, a request Justice Nwite granted, same way judges trying DSS cases against terror suspects Mahmud Muhammad Usman a.k.a. Mahmuda, Muhammed Usman a.k.a. Abu Bara’a, as well as those standing trial in the Yelwata and Benue massacres, have obliged the DSS DG’s request for speedy trial.

    READ ALSO: Policy flip-flops, power crisis behind North’s stunted growth, rising insecurity — Dangote

    Following the conclusion of playing back the video clip of the first defendant, Justice Nwite fixed December 5 for the commencement of playing back the video clips of the other defendants.

    Earlier yesterday, Justice Nwite had admitted the extra-judicial statements made by three other persons charged by the DSS for alleged terrorism.

    The trioka are being tried for allegedly spying on the US and Israel’s interests for certain individuals in Iran.

    Haruna Ali Abbas, Ibrahim Hussaini Musa and Adam Sulaiman were accused of spying on the US, and Israel’s interests for individuals in Iran.

    The case, which had 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 duress.

    While the defendants claimed that they were coerced, harassed and intimidated to make their statements, the prosecution held that the statements were made voluntarily.

    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 medication 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 the defence counsel, Justice Nwite 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.

    Justice Nwite after admitting the statements as exhibits adjourned the matter to January 22, 2026 for substantive hearing.

  • Court okays DSS’ request for accelerated trial of terror suspect, Al-Barnawi, four others

    Court okays DSS’ request for accelerated trial of terror suspect, Al-Barnawi, four others

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted the request by the Department of State Services (DSS) for accelerated hearing in the ongoing trial of terror suspects, Khalid Al-Barnawi and four others accused, among others, of being behind the August 26, 2011 bombing of the United Nations building in Abuja.

    Justice Emeka Nwite granted the request while ruling on Friday on an application filed by the DSS through its lawyer, Alex Izinyon (SAN).

    Al- Barnawi was arrested by the DSS in April 2016 in Lokoja, Kogi State, five years after the attack on the Abuja UN building, the first of such attack on an international agency’s property in the country, which left over 20 individuals dead and over 70 others injuried.

    While moving the application on Friday, Izinyon said the request for speedy hearing was informed by the prosecution’s readiness to ensure that the case is promptly determined.

    By the application, which was not objected to by defence lawyers, parties are to watch video recordings tendered by the DSS in the ongoing trial-within-trial to prove that the defendants’ extrajudicial statements were made voluntarily.

    Read Also: Court slams lawyer to suspected terror leader Al-Barnawi, others

    The defendants had claimed they were compelled to make the statements, which informed why the court is now conducting trial-within-trial.

    The video clips will be played in the presence of the court Registar and parties will take notes after which they will return to the court on the 23rd and 24th October for continuation of trial within trial.

    The main trial had begun shortly after his arrest in 2016 in Lokoja. However, several legal and administrative issues had stalled the trial. 

    Al- Barnawi known as Kafuri/ Naziru/Alhaji Yahaya/Mallam Dauda/Alhaji Tanimu, is believed to be a founding member of Jama’at Ahl as-Sunnah lid Da’wah Wa’l-Jihad, the Boko Haram Islamist terror group, before he became the leader (Amir) of the break-away faction, Jama’at Ansarul Muslimim Fi Biladi Sudan (JAMBS).

  • Boko Haram faction contacts Aisha Wakil over Dapchi girls

    Boko Haram faction contacts Aisha Wakil over Dapchi girls

    The Barnawi faction of Boko Haram has contacted human rights activist, Mrs. Aisha Wakil, admitting it has in its custody the abducted students of Government Girls Science and Technical College, Dapchi, Yobe State.

    The sect also hinted that the girls might be released.

    Wakil, popularly called Mama Boko Haram on account of her closeness to many of the sect members, said on Friday that the Abu Musab Al-Barnawi faction called her on Thursday to confirm that it is keeping the girls.

    She said the abductors told her that the girls were safe, healthy and in good condition.

    She did not say how many of the girls are with the terrorists, although the Federal Government put the number of the missing girls at 110.

    The sect had called her following an earlier interview she granted PRNigeria in which she pleaded with the abductors to release the girls to enable them to be reunited with their families.

    She said in the interview that she was ready to sacrifice her life to rescue the girls.

    Wakil said: “They were even the ones that called me, and said Mama we heard what you have said and told me that they were with the girls and they were going to release them.

    “I begged of them and said please let this not be another 1,000-plus days of Chibok girls, and they laughed and said no.

    “I asked them where I can come and stay with them (girls) for two days, but they did not say anything.

    “I can assure Nigerians that so far they are with my son, Habib, (Abu Musab Al-Barnawi) and his friends.

    “Habib is a nice guy, he is a very nice boy. He will not harm them, he will not touch them, and he will not kill them.

    “He is going to listen to us, and so far he indicated interest that he loves peace. And I love them for that and believe what they said on this.

    “They will definitely give us the girls. All I am begging Nigerians is to calm down and be prayerful. Everything will be over in God grace.”

    NAN

     

     

  • U.S. designates Boko Haram leader Al-Barnawi, others global terrorists

    U.S. designates Boko Haram leader Al-Barnawi, others global terrorists

    THE United States (U.S.) Department of State has designated three ISIS-affiliated groups – ISIS-West Africa, ISIS-Philippines and ISIS-Bangladesh – as Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs) under Section 1(b) of Executive Order (E.O.) 13224 and as Foreign Terrorist Organisations (FTOs) pursuant to Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

    As a result of these designations, U.S. persons are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions with ISIS-West Africa, ISIS-Philippines, or ISIS-Bangladesh.  The groups’ property and interests in property subject to U.S. jurisdiction are blocked.  In addition, it is a crime to knowingly provide, or attempt or conspire to provide, material support or resources to the organisations.

    The Department has also designated four other ISIS-affiliated groups and two ISIS-affiliated leaders as SDGTs under Section 1(b) of E.O. 13224.

    The groups are ISIS-Somalia, Jund al-Khilafah-Tunisia, ISIS-Egypt, and the Maute Group, and the individuals are Mahad Moalim and Abu Musab al-Barnawi.

    The E.O. 13224 imposes strict sanctions on foreign persons determined to have committed, or pose a significant risk of committing, acts of terrorism that threaten the security of U.S. nationals or the national security, foreign policy, or economy of the U.S.

    In announcing these designations, Coordinator for Counterterrorism Nathan A. Sales emphasized that “these designations target key ISIS-affiliated groups and leaders outside its fallen caliphate in Iraq and Syria.  Today’s actions are a critical step in degrading ISIS’s global network and denying its affiliates the resources they need to plan and carry out terrorist attacks.”

    In March 2015, the leader of the FTO and SDGT group Boko Haram pledged allegiance to ISIS and changed the group’s name to ISIS-West Africa.  ISIS accepted the pledge of allegiance.  In August 2016, ISIS-West Africa split into two factions, due to infighting.  ISIS appointed Abu Musab al-Barnawi as leader of ISIS-West Africa; the other faction, which remained loyal to longtime leader Abubakar Shekau, reverted to the previous Boko Haram name.  Al-Barnawi is the son of Boko Haram founder Mohammed Yusuf.  Prior to his appointment as leader of ISIS-West Africa, al-Barnawi was the spokesperson for Boko Haram.  Under his leadership, ISIS-West Africa has carried out numerous attacks in Nigeria and the Lake Chad region.

  • Mama Boko Haram begs Al -Barnawi to release abducted Dapchi girls

    Mama Boko Haram begs Al -Barnawi to release abducted Dapchi girls

    A former member of Committee on Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution of Security Challenges in the North, Barr. Aisha Alkali Wakil (a.ka. Mama Boko Haram) on Tuesday asked the Abu Musab Al-Barnawi-led faction of Boko Haram to release the 110 girls abducted from the Government Girls’ Science Technical College, Dapchi.

    Wakil’s appeal followed fresh lead that the Al-Barnawi faction had been operating along Yobe State axis and might have abducted the girls.

    Al-Barnawi (named Habib at birth) was said to be the son of the late founder of Jamā’at Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Da’wah wa’l-Jihād (now known as Boko Haram), Mohammed Yusuf, who was killed in police custody on July 30, 2009.

    Following irreconcilable differences on Boko Haram’s modus operandi, Al-Barnawi parted ways with the sect.

    But Wakil, a North-East human rights activist with strong links with Boko Haram, spoke with PRNigeria in Maiduguri, Borno State, and urged Al-Barnawi to spare the girls.

    According to PRNigeria, the activist who cried profoundly said:  “This thing that is happening, is really breaking my heart. These children don’t even know what they are doing. Some of them were not even born at the time this thing started.

    “Wallahi I will go after them, even if it will take my life to save these girls. They call me Mummy, but they don’t listen to me.

    “I keep on talking to them, begging them to lay down their arms and embrace peace but they will say ‘Insha-Allah mummy we are going to stop.’ Sometimes they will say they are scared they are going to be killed but I will tell them nobody is going to kill you.”

    “I heard you are now being called ‘Abu Mussad Al-Barnawi’ but I know you as Habib and I am begging you to stop the killing and abduction.

    “I have sent many messages to you. I don’t know if you are getting these messages or you just chose to continue to hurt your mother and make her cry.

    “Dear Habib, Nuru and others, I was told you may be the ones responsible for the kidnap of these girls. Where ever you may be if you are listening to me, I beg you in the name of Allah to release the girls back to their families.

    “What type of children will continue letting their mother to continue crying. Dear Habib, I pray Allah touches your heart and that of your colleagues to stop what you are doing. “

    She pleaded with Al-Barnawi to come out and lay down his arms alongside his members.

    She added: “Please come out. I will never deny you even if the whole world did. Those who know you know your heart. They know you are no longer interested in the fight anymore.

    “I will hold all of you and wrap you with my wrapper and bring you out and no one is going to shoot you. If they will shoot you, they will have to shoot me first. I don’t mind sacrificing my life if you will stop what you are doing.  If I die to stop Boko Haram, I know I will go to paradise.”

    The PRNigeria said the female “activist was reported to have helped in the circumcision of some kids over two decades ago who later became Boko Haram members. Her relationship with the sect members earned her the name ‘Mama Boko Haram.’

    “Disturbed about the latest abduction of 110 students of Government Girls Technical College Dapchi, Aisha has renewed her commitment to help end the Boko Haram insurgency.

    “Respected by many in her community, Wakil has been actively involved in efforts to end Boko Haram through her NGO “Complete Care and Aid Foundation” aimed at restoring peace to the North East by rehabilitating the youth against warped ideologies that mislead them to join the terror group.

  • Boko Haram splits over Al-Barnawi

    Boko Haram splits over Al-Barnawi

    The Federal Government  yesterday dismissed as inconsequential the appointment of a new leader for Boko Haram by the Islamic State (IS).

    The Defence Headquarters also spoke in the same vein.

    Besides, Wednesday’s  appointment of Abu Musab al-Barnawi has split the organisation, which appears to be struggling to return to relevance as Abubakar Shekau said he remains the group’s leader.

    Minister of Information Lai Mohammed said   nothing would  bring back Boko Haram as its defeat is complete.

    He described the claim by the sect as “another cheap propaganda.”

    Mohammed added that “it is too late to employ such tactics to revive the group

    ‘’By the way, don’t believe the cheap propaganda by the global terrorist group ISIS, which has reportedly named a new leader for Boko Haram. Our gallant military has put Boko Haram on the run and nothing will bring back the terrorists, not even the wishful thinking by ISIS,” the minister said.

    The Director of Defence Information, (DHQ), Brig.-Gen. Rabe Abubakar, said in Abuja that the military remained focused on its operation in the Northeast.

    He said the announcement of a new leader for the group was only aimed at seeking attention and relevance.

    “As far as we are concerned, what Boko Haram or their cohorts are doing is of no relevance to our operations against them.

    “We are just focused on clearing the remnants of the insurgents that are scattered around.

    “What they are doing is to seek relevance and to tell the world that they are still around whereas they have been decimated.

    “Their latest move is the antics of a fading group and I believe that in the shortest time they will be history.’’

    Shekau yesterday insisted he was “still around”.

    He described his rival to power, Abu Musab al-Barnawi, as a “polytheist”, meaning one who worships many gods.

    Shekau, who wears military uniform and waves an AK-47 assault rifle in propaganda videos posted online, said he sent letters to Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (Isil), but its leaders had stopped replying.

    “I was asked to send my ideology in writing to the caliph but it was manipulated by some people in order to achieve their own selfish interests,” he said in a 10-minute audio message.

    “People should know we are still around.

    “We will never cause any discord among the people, we will live by the Koran.”

    Al-Barnawi’s appointment as the new “Wali of West Africa” was announced through an interview with him in the latest edition of Isil’s online weekly magazine al-Naba.

    Boko Haram’s former spokesman, he is seen by the terrorist group as more moderate.

    Despite the group’s substantial territorial losses at the hands of a multinational force comprising Nigeria, Cameroon, Niger and Chad, al-Barnawi said that Boko Haram was “still a force to be reckoned with” and vowed to end its practice of attacking mosques and killing Muslims.

    Instead, he said, it would focus on attacking Christians, by “booby-trapping and blowing up every church that we are able to reach, and killing all of those who we find from the citizens of the cross”.

    Analysts said the rift opened up a new and dangerous chapter of Nigerian-born terrorism as both factions could now compete to outdo each other.

    Shekau’s faction may also team up with al-Qaeda in the Islamic Magreb, al-Qaeda’s official branch in North Africa which was behind hotel terror attacks in Mali and Burkina Faso.

    Ryan Cummings, director of Signal Risk consultancy, said Shekhau had fallen foul of Isil leaders after attacks on cities like Baga, a north eastern town whose residents were all but wiped out in January 2015.

    “Boko Haram’s wanton violence has always been a concern for Isil,” he said. “They are no angels but justify the deaths of civilians by applying the apostate label.

    “To re-establish the group’s credentials and recruiting abilities in the Lake Chad region, Isil obviously realised a change in strategy and leadership was needed.”