An Abuja Federal High Court on Wednesday refused an application by the Federal Government seeking to modify the court’s ruling on conducting the trial of three Boko Haram suspects.
The accused – Mohammed Yunus, Salami Abdullahi and Musa Umar – are arraigned on an eight-count charge bordering on terrorism.
Delivering ruling, Justice Gabriel Kolawole held that the court had no powers to shield witnesses completely from the public and court staff.
Kolawole also said that the prosecution counsel’s application lacked merit and he, therefore, refused it.
He said: “This court does not have the powers to vacate its earlier ruling.
“Acceding to such would amount to having empty benches in the court room without the public in attendance.
“The prosecution’s motion on notice, dated May 2, is hereby refused for lacking in merit.”
He ordered that the accused be remanded in Kuje Prison and be produced on the adjourned date for trial.
Justice Kolawole adjourned the case until June 9, 10, 24 and 25 for accelerated trial of the accused.
On April 3, in another case, Kolawole ordered for a partial secret trial for the accused.
He said that he would not shut down the entire court room, but make adequate provisions for the security of citizens that would give evidence.
N.B. Jones-Nebo, the Federal Government’s counsel, however, brought an application urging the court to vacate the earlier ruling, to ensure total protection for the identity of prosecution witnesses.
Hassan Liman (SAN), James Ocholi (SAN) and Abdul Mohammed, counsel to the co-accused objected to the application.
They argued that the application was a ploy by the prosecution to conceal the identities of its agents with which it intended to secure conviction at all cost against the accused.
They also said that the prosecution’s attempt to invite the court to set aside its earlier decision was an abuse of court process, adding that the court lacked power to do so.
Trending
- OSUN: NANS seeks intervention from Governor Adeleke, threatens protest over fee hike, palliative
- Easter Celebration: IGP orders round-the-clock water-tight security at all public spaces
- Kogi poll: SDP witness contradicts self on alleged ‘affidavit forgery’ against Governor Ododo
- No BoT in Labour Party, spokesman dismisses takeover claims
- Nigerian writer urges preservation of literary heritage amid writer shortage
- Health professionals brainstorm in Abuja, seek drug free society
- CAF announce dates for Champions League, Confederation Cup Finals
- Tayo Ayinde withdraws suit against Gani Adams, restates commitment to peace