Kanu terrorism trial: Witnesses to testify behind camera for security

In a notable development in the terrorism trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled that prosecution witnesses will be allowed to give their testimony from behind a screen.

This decision was made on Tuesday following a formal request by the Federal Government, which is being represented in the case by senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Adegboyega Awomolo.

During the court proceedings, the Federal Government’s counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), argued that the identities of the witnesses involved in the case needed to be protected due to significant security concerns, citing the highly sensitive nature of the terrorism charges against Nnamdi Kanu and the potential risks associated with their public identification.

Interestingly, the request for witness protection was not opposed by Nnamdi Kanu’s legal team, which is led by another senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Kanu Agabi.

Following the lack of objection from the defense, Justice James Omotosho deemed the Federal Government’s application meritorious and subsequently granted the permission for the witnesses to testify behind a screen.

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This arrangement is a procedural mechanism often employed in sensitive cases, particularly those involving national security or where witnesses might be at risk of intimidation or harm if their identities were to be publicly disclosed.

By allowing the witnesses to testify behind a screen, the court aims to ensure their safety and encourage them to provide truthful testimony without fear of reprisal.

The trial is expected to continue with this new witness protection measure in place.