Suspected Co-Mastermind of Nyanya Bombing Extradited from Sudan

ABUJA (NAN) ― The Federal government said on Tuesday that Aminu Ogwuche, the co-mastermind of the April 14 Nyanya bus terminus bombing has been extradited from Sudan to Nigeria.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the wanted fugitive Boko Haram member, who fled to Sudan immediately after the incident, arrive the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at about 3 p.m. on a charted flight on Tuesday July 14.

The Coordinator, National Information Centre, Mike Omeri, led the spokespersons of the police, ACP Frank Mba; Department of State Services (DSS), Marilyn Ogar, and Army, Maj.-Gen. Chris Olukolade, to receive him (suspect).

Ogwuche was declared wanted by the federal government on May 15 shortly after the DSS paraded some suspects in connection with the incident.

Also declared wanted was Abubakar Tsiga, said to be chief mastermind of the bombing.

Shortly after Ogwuche was declared wanted, he was arrested by the International Police Organisation in Sudan, where he fled to.

The extradition process of the suspect back to Nigeria was kept a top secret by the security agencies for operational reasons.

However, on Tuesday the police sent a text inviting newsmen to cover the unveiling of a “Special Counter-Terrorism Equipment’’ at the airport.

A few minutes after the journalists arrived at the airport, only photographers and television cameramen were invited to take photographs of the special equipment.

At about 3.20 p.m, the spokesperson of the DSS emerged from the arrival hall, beaming with smile and announced the arrival of Ogwuche, saying “here is the special counter-terrorism equipment’’.

Ogwuche was guarded by plain clothed security operatives into an 18-seater Toyota bus and driven away.

Addressing journalists later, Omeri said that the suspect would be interrogated and prosecuted.

“We have just successfully been able to secure his (Ogwuche’s) extradition from Sudan and he is back to his home country to answer questions.

“The usual procedure will take place, he will be interrogated appropriately and charged to court when all the processes are concluded.

“The fight against insurgency and the effort to get our girls back is top a priority of the Federal Government,’’ said the coordinator.