The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted the Federal Government’s request for witnesses in the ongoing terrorism trial against Nnamdi Kanu to testify behind a protective screen.
Presiding judge, Justice James Omotosho, gave the ruling on Tuesday after an ex-parte motion filed by prosecuting counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), was considered.
Awomolo argued that the identities of the witnesses must be shielded due to security concerns, given the sensitive nature of the charges against the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who is facing a seven-count charge bordering on terrorism.
“Given the potential threats to their safety, it is crucial that the identities of the prosecution witnesses be protected throughout the proceedings,” Awomolo stated.
Kanu’s lawyer, Kanu Agabi (SAN), did not object to the application. However, he requested mutual understanding from the Federal Government when the defense files a bail application for his client.
Justice Omotosho subsequently approved the use of a screen to shield the witnesses, ensuring that their identities remain confidential to the public.
Following the court’s approval, the Federal Government proceeded to call its first witness, referred to only as “PWAAA”, who began giving testimony as the prosecution formally opened its case.
