ABUJA, Nigeria — The Federal High Court in Nigeria’s capital on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, approved an application from the federal government seeking to protect the identities of witnesses who are set to testify against an alleged terrorist collaborator, Tukur Mamu.
Mamu, a Kaduna-based cleric and publisher, is facing trial over his alleged role in a terror attack on a Kaduna-Abuja train in March last year.
The attack led to at least eight deaths and a number of abductions, with hostages’ families having to pay ransoms to secure their release.
The defendant was arraigned in March this year, with charges comprising 10 counts bordering on terrorism financing, among others.
He is accused of receiving ransom payments totalling $120,000 on behalf of the Boko Haram terrorists from families of the train attack victims.
Mamu has also been accused of maintaining voice-note communication related to terrorist activities with Baba Adamu, said to be a Boko Haram spokesperson.
Additionally, he stands accused of dealing with terrorist funds totalling $300,000, reportedly found in his possession.
Mamu has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
In a Wednesday court session, D.E. Kaswe, counsel for the Attorney General of the Federation, presented an ex parte application before Justice Inyang Ekwo, requesting an order to protect the identity of the prosecution witnesses.
The federal government requested for an “order of this honourable court shielding the physical identity of the prosecution witnesses by wearing facial masks and/or the use of screen whenever prosecution witnesses are testifying.”
The prosecution also requested that the court direct the use of pseudonyms by prosecution witnesses and delete the real names and addresses of prosecution witnesses throughout the trial proceedings.
Moreover, the government lawyer asked for an order “excluding persons other than parties and their legal representatives at the hearing of the above-named charge except for members of the accredited press.”
Justice Ekwo granted the motion as requested.
However, when the case was called, Mamu was not present in court.
Kaswe informed the court that the defendant was en route with security operatives, requesting for the court session to be stood down.
The judge denied the application, responding, “Do you think this is a stand-down court? That application is refused.”
The case has been adjourned to July 21, 2023, for the commencement of trial.
