Court Grants Witness Protection in Coup Trial Against Six

On Wednesday, the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Joyc Abdulmalik, granted a request to protect witnesses in the ongoing trial of six individuals accused of plotting a coup against President Bola Tinubu. The defendants, who include retired Major General Moham Ibrahim Gana and retired Navy Captain Erasmus Ochegobia, face 13 counts of charges including treason and terrorism.

The prosecution, led by Rotimi Oyedepo, informed the court that four witnesses were prepared to testify, with three being officials from Jaiz Bank and Suntrust Bank, who would provide documents obtained from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. Oyedepo requested that the witnesses be shielded from public view to prevent unnecessary attacks, citing security risks associated with the case.

The defense raised concerns about the implications of shielding witnesses on their right to a fair hearing. However, Justice Abdulmalik ruled in favor of the prosecution, stating that the security concerns justified the protective measures, including non-disclosure of the witnesses' identities.