The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday granted an application by the Federal Government to shield the identities of witnesses set to testify against the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
Justice James Omotosho granted the application following an ex parte motion moved by the government’s counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN.
Moving the motion, Awomolo told the court that the identities of the witnesses needed to be protected for security reasons.
He also requested that the names of the witnesses be kept from public knowledge “for general reasons of security.”
Kanu Agabi, SAN, representing Kanu, did not oppose the motion but urged the Federal Government to show similar cooperation when his client’s bail application is heard.
Justice Omotosho granted the application, setting the stage for the commencement of the trial. The court has since begun hearing from the first prosecution witness, identified as PWAAA, as the government officially opened its case.
Meanwhile, it was reported that Justice Omotosho reduced the number of individuals approved to observe the trial, which resumed on Tuesday.
Although over 30 people had applied to attend, including the convener of the “Take it Back Movement,” Omoyele Sowore, only 20 were approved by the court.
The approved list, reportedly contained the names of close family members of the IPOB leader. However, missing on the list of observers cleared for Tuesday’s hearing is Omoyele Sowore.
Nnamdi Kanu, detained since his controversial extradition from Kenya in 2021, appeared in court flanked by six senior advocates of Nigeria, led by Kanu Agabi.
Kanu’s special counsel, barrister Aloy Ejimakor, confirmed the development, “The court in Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s case has convened. The Judge is on seat and appearances for the parties are being announced.”
“The Federal Government has 3 SANs; Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has 6 SANs. The die is cast and we’re primed & ready to rumble.”
The Nigerian government reaffirmed its commitment to prosecute Kanu on charges that include terrorism, incitement and illegal possession of firearms. Kanu has pleaded not guilty to the amended seven-count charge.
