ABUJA — Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has approved a request by the Federal Government to allow its witnesses testify behind closed doors in the terrorism trial of Biafra separatist leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
The decision was delivered on Tuesday following an ex-parte application by the government’s counsel, Chief Adegboyega Solomon, SAN, who argued that shielding the identities of the witnesses was crucial due to security concerns tied to the nature of the charges.
Solomon emphasized that the charges against Kanu relate to terrorism, necessitating stringent protective measures for witnesses. He further requested that the names and identities of the witnesses be kept from public knowledge for their safety.
Kanu’s lead counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, did not oppose the application. However, he urged the court to expect similar cooperation from the prosecution when arguments for Kanu’s bail application are presented.
Justice Omotosho subsequently granted the request, paving the way for the prosecution to begin its case. As of press time, the first prosecution witness—identified only by the code name “PWAAA”—has commenced testimony behind camera.
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