#BokoHaram trial – FG wants to continue Ndume trial in secret
The Federal Government has asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to move the rest of the trial, and the rendering of evidence linking Senator Ali Ndume, a senator from Borno state, to the Boko Haram sect to a secret hearing for reasons of national security and public safety. Senator Ndume’s trial, before Justice Gabriel Kolawole, has been open to the public since it started.
The federal government’s lawyer in the matter, E.A. Orji, in a motion dated September 23 begged the court to protect the identity of the remaining witnesses to give evidence in the matter.
“We urge the court to exclude members of the public from the trial.
“We also want the court to protect the identities of the remaining witnesses that shall give evidence in this case. The fundamental rights of the accused have not been violated because his counsel is represented and has not in any way been excluded from the matter.
“It is in the interest of national security and public safety that the motion should be granted,” he said.
On his part, Ndume’s lawyer, Mr. I. Amaza, in his submission told the court that the request will violate his client’s right to a fair hearing.
He prayed the court to turn down the request of the prosecution and continue with the trial.
Justice Kolawole adjourned the case to Friday, October 24 to make a decision on the request.
