The witnesses may testify behind a screen, using acronyms.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has approved a request by the Federal Government (FG) to shield the identities of witnesses in the ongoing trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Trial Justice James Omotosho granted the application on Tuesday, following an ex-parte motion filed by FG’s lead prosecutor, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN. The court ruled that the witnesses may testify behind a screen and be identified using acronyms.
Awomolo told the court the measure was necessary “for security reasons and in view of the serious nature of the case.” Kanu’s legal team, led by Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, did not oppose the application.
Following the ruling, the prosecution opened its case and presented its first witness, identified as PWAAA.
Kanu, who pleaded not guilty to a seven-count treasonable felony charge, is being tried afresh after Justice Binta Nyako recused herself over allegations of bias.