A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted an application to shield the identity of a prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of a retired army general and five others accused of plotting a coup against President Bola Tinubu.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik approved the request at the commencement of the trial, ruling that the witness would testify under protective conditions, including appearing behind a screen and withholding their real name from public records.
The prosecution argued that the measure was necessary to protect the witness, described as a serving officer, from potential security threats. The court relied on provisions of Section 232 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), which allows such safeguards in sensitive cases involving national security and terrorism.
Also Read: Shielded Army Witness Lays Bare Alleged Coup Plot Against Tinubu in Court
The defendants include retired Major-General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Navy Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, police inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, and three others. They are facing a 13-count charge bordering on treason, terrorism, failure to disclose information and money laundering.
All six suspects were arraigned on April 22 and pleaded not guilty to the charges. At the opening of the trial, three prosecution witnesses officials from financial institutions testified and tendered documents linked to investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Defence lawyers did not oppose the request for witness protection but insisted that they must still be aware of the witness’s identity to ensure a fair hearing and proper cross-examination.
In her ruling, Justice Abdulmalik held that the application was justified given the nature of the allegations, noting that the law permits non-disclosure of identities where credible security concerns exist.
The trial is expected to continue as the court balances witness protection with the defendants’ right to a fair hearing.
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