Court Grants Witness Protection in Coup Trial

On Wednesday, the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, granted a request from the Federal Government to shield witnesses in the trial of six defendants accused of plotting a coup against the President. The defendants, including retired Major General Moham Ibrahim Gana and retired Captain Erasmus Ochegobia, face 13 counts of charges including treason and terrorism.

The prosecution, led by Rotimi Oyedepo, argued that the witnesses, who include officials from Jaiz Bank and Suntrust Bank, require protection due to security risks associated with the case. The court ruled to allow the witnesses to testify anonymously, citing Section 232 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, which permits protective measures in cases involving security concerns.

The defense team opposed the application, arguing that shielding the witnesses could affect their right to a fair hearing. However, the court maintained that the prosecution's request was justified, and the identities of the witnesses will not appear in court records.