FG Wants Ndume Tried Secretly

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Senator Aliyu Ndume who is standing trial for terrorism charges could be tried secretly. The federal government is asking a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja to ensure that.

Ndume, a senator from Borno State is standing trial before Justice Gabriel Kolawole for failing to inform law enforcement agencies of the activities of the outlawed Boko Haram sect.

Counsel representing the federal government in the matter, E.A. Orji, in a motion dated September 23, has asked the court to protect the identity of the remaining witness who will be giving evidence relating to the matter.

“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 shall give evidence in this case.
The fundamental rights of the accused has 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,” he said.

The accused’s counsel, Mr. I. Amaza, in his submission told the court that the request would violate his client’s right to fair hearing.
He told the court to turned down the request of the prosecution and continue with the trial.

Justice Kolawole has adjourned the case to October 24 for ruling.

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