Director
of Radio Biafra who appeared in court for trials today in Abuja has
opposed the application of the federal government to protect the
identities of witnesses in his trial, describing them as 'masquerades'.
Nnamdi Kanu showing a sign of solidarity to his supporters after a court appearance
Embattled leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi
Kanu, has opposed the application of the President Buhari-led federal
government to protect the identities of witnesses in his trial,
describing them as 'masquerades'.
As the hearing of the application of Radio Biafra director began,
counsel to the Department of State Services (DSS), David Kaswe, the
prosecution, informed Justice John Tsoho of the federal high court,
Abuja, that there was a possibility for witnesses to refuse testifying
against Kanu, without protection.
David Kaswe, the prosecution emphasised that it was important that
witnesses be protected in the trial, explaining that the crux of the
application was to seek the protection of witnesses, and not to cause a
secret trial.
Counsel to Kanu, Chuks Muoma (SAN), argued that what the
prosecution was asking for was a secret trial, and prayed the court to
draw a distinction between a closed trial and protection of witnesses.
He added that the application implied that masked individuals would be
testifying before the court.
However, the prosecution countered his argument, saying that most
of the witnesses were civilians who reside in the location of the
accused person, and were as such vulnerable to influence. "We also ask that these press men will not make public identities and residential locations of these witnesses," he said.
Citing section 364 of the 1999 constitution (as amended), Muoma, said that there was no provision for 'masquerades'
to testify as witnesses in a case as such as that of Kanu. He explained
that protection of witnesses could only be applied to terrorism cases,
and not to that of his client, who is facing charges of treasonable
felony.
"An accused person under our jurisprudence must be confronted
with his accusers eyeball to eyeball. My lord, it is compatible and
common sense with jurisprudence that you cannot accuse someone in the
streets in public and try him in the bedroom."
After listening to the arguments of the counsel, the judge adjourned the matter to 2:00pm for ruling.
