Could you refresh us on who Hugo and Andy are? And why that interview mattered. I remember it slightly but I only saw it once. Was Andy a friend Berg met in Iraq?
Main research on Hugo was at #1216. Duke may only be as a gullible businessman/drinking buddy that Nick was lying to over beers, and trying to impress. His report of where Nick was going matches hotel staff the closest, ie, that Nick was headed somewhere else first, before returning home. (see #1618 for Duke).
Nick told the hotel staff he'd be back in a few days (god willing), and he left personal things behind that seem to confirm that, like his weight-lifting stuff and business-contact cards.
I suspect Nick had been sent back there in March by Moore, and had not yet accomplished his goal (of interviewing Al Qaeda?), because of the 13 day lockup.
I trust Hugo's report of what Nick had last-said the least, followed by the shady business partner Aziz.