The Federal Government has requested that the trial of Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume should henceforth be conducted in secret, to keep the public away. Senator Ndume is a serving Senator from Borno State, who is facing terrorism related charges before the Federal High Court, in Abuja.
He was accused of sponsoring the Boko Haram sect, and failing to provide information about the sect’s operations.
On Tuesday, the prosecution lawyer, E.A. Orji, said.
“We urge the court to exclude members of the public from the trial. We also want the court to protect the identities of the remaining witnesses that will give evidence in this case.
“The fundamental rights of the accused have not been violated because his counsel is represented and has not in any way been excluded from the matter. It is in the interest of national security and public safety that the motion should be granted,” Orji said.
However, lawyer to the accused, I. Amaza argued that the prosecution’s request would violate his client’s right to fair hearing. He urged the court to refuse the request and continue with the trial.
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