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The Digest:

The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted an application allowing a prosecution witness to testify under protective conditions in the trial of a retired army general and five others charged with plotting a failed coup against President Bola Tinubu. The judge ordered that the witness's identity be shielded, with the real name not disclosed in court records. The defence did not oppose the protection but insisted on knowing the witness's identity for fair hearing.

Key Points:
  • The witness will testify behind a shield to block them from being seen by the court audience.
  • The prosecution cited security risks, noting the witness is a serving officer.
  • Three witnesses from Jaiz Bank, SunTrust Bank, and Providus Bank have already testified.
  • The defendants include a retired major-general, a retired navy captain, a police inspector, and an Islamic cleric.
  • The court relied on Section 232 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA).
The judge held that the request was justified, particularly as one of the counts relates to terrorism.

Sources: Premium Times, Vanguard