Abuja court fast-tracks Iran-linked spy trial as suspect admits targeting US, Israeli Embassies

A Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday ordered an accelerated hearing in the trial of three men accused of spying on American and Israeli interests in Nigeria for individuals allegedly linked to Iran.

The defendants, Haruna Ali Abbas, Ibrahim Hussaini Musa and Adam Suleiman were arrested in Kano and Lagos in 2013.

Presiding judge, Justice Emeka Nwite, granted the application to fast-track the case following a request by prosecuting counsel, Bello Abu. The application was not opposed by defence lawyers.

At the resumed hearing, a prosecution witness from the Department of State Services (DSS), James Simon, told the court that Abbas admitted to being recruited to gather intelligence on the United States and Israel, with a focus on their diplomatic missions in Nigeria.

Simon, who testified as the first prosecution witness, said he recorded Abbas’ statement in which the defendant outlined his role in the operation, including assisting in the recruitment of other Nigerians.

According to the witness, Abbas disclosed that some of the recruits, including the defendants, received training in Iran. The training reportedly covered surveillance techniques, recruitment methods, information security, open-source intelligence gathering, communication, and basic firearms handling.

He further told the court that the training included a session at a military facility where participants were introduced to weapons use.

Quoting from Abbas’ statement, the witness said the defendant’s assignment included providing information on the locations of American and Israeli embassies, as well as compiling open-source intelligence on both countries.

Simon also stated that Abbas admitted facilitating the selection and travel of additional recruits for similar training abroad.

Under cross-examination by defence counsel, Aliyu Yauri, the witness maintained that involvement in such activities constituted acts of terrorism, regardless of whether the trainers were formally designated as members of a terrorist organisation.

Further hearing in the case has been adjourned to April 1.