Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja has condemned the decision of a terrorism suspect to skip trial, describing the action as ‘unfortunate.’‎‎

This remark by the judge is in respect of Mohammed Usman also known as Khalid Al-barnawi, allegedly link to Ansaru the splinter group of Boko Haram. ‎‎

Al-barnawi and four others-Mohammed Saleh, Umar Bello, Mohammed Salisu and Yakubu Nuhu- are alleged to have conspired to carry out terrorist activities between 2011 and 2013 in several northern Nigerian states, including Sokoto, Kebbi, Bauchi, Borno, and Gombe. ‎‎

During Tuesday’s court session, the prosecution, led by Dr. Alex Izinyon (SAN), informed the court that proceedings were due to continue with a trial-within-a-trial phase.

However, he noted with concern the absence of the first defendant, Mohammed Usman, and his counsel.

Lawyers for two other defendants were also not present.

‎‎Dr. Izinyon revealed that Usman’s lawyer claimed to be away in Enugu and had promised to send a representative, who did not appear.

He described the no-show and lack of communication as disrespectful and contrary to the court’s efforts to expedite the long-running case which has been on since 2017.

‎‎In response, Justice Nwite expressed his dissatisfaction with the absence, emphasizing the importance of an expeditious hearing.

He warned that the court would not tolerate defendants absence from the proceedings.‎‎

The judge instructed the parties to collaborate and clarify the reasons behind the absence to prevent further delays.‎‎

He then adjourned the case until September 5 and 12 for the continuation of evidence from the third prosecution witness and the playback of relevant videos as part of the trial within a trial.‎‎

The US government had placed a $5 million bounty on Mohammed Usman in 2012, designating him as one of three Nigerian “specially designated global terrorists.

“‎‎Ansaru, ideologically linked to al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, is accused of targeting Westerners and carried out a notable attack on a maximum-security prison in Abuja in 2012, freeing dozens of inmates.‎

A train traveling from Abuja to Kaduna derailed on Tuesday morning, causing multiple carriages to overturn and triggering panic among passengers.

Ohibaba.com can confirm that the incident happened shortly after the train left Abuja around 11 a.m., along the well-traveled route.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of confusion as passengers rushed to escape the derailed coaches.

The cause of the derailment is still unknown, and there are no confirmed reports of injuries or fatalities at this time.

Military personnel have been deployed to the site to assist with rescue operations and help evacuate stranded passengers.

Authorities are yet to release an official statement regarding the incident.

A tanker transporting twenty-six (26) tons of Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) somersaulted on Monday near the Sat Guru Mahraji area, close to the defunct toll plaza along the Lagos/Ibadan Expressway.

According to sources, the tanker swerved off the road and overturned on an open stretch of the highway. The incident was confirmed by the Chairman of the Oyo State Fire Service, Hon. Maroof Akinwande.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Akinwande assured that no lives were lost in the accident. He explained that the fire service promptly responded to the scene, using necessary equipment to prevent an explosion and contain the situation.

He said, “Upon arrival, it was a Mack trailer tanker, registration no T25163LA, loaded with twenty-six (26) tons of LPG, that swerved and fell on an open road. Our officers quickly engaged necessary equipment to calm the situation and prevent the tanker from exploding.”

Akinwande added that normal traffic flow had been restored by Tuesday, emphasizing that the tanker was saved without any casualties recorded.