The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted the Federal Government’s application to protect the identities of witnesses set to testify against Tukur Mamu, a negotiator for Boko Haram terrorists.
Mamu is facing ten counts of terrorism financing and other charges for his alleged involvement with terrorists linked to the 2022 attack on a Kaduna-Abuja train, which killed at least eight people and kidnapped several others for ransom.
The prosecution accuses Mamu of receiving ransom payments amounting to $120,000 on behalf of the Boko Haram terrorists from the families of the train attack hostages.
Mamu is also accused of exchanging voice-note communications about terrorist acts with a Boko Haram spokesperson named Baba Adamu. In addition, authorities allegedly discovered $300,000 in terrorist funds in Mamu’s possession.
He, however, pleaded not guilty to all charges brought against him.
The counsel to Attorney General of the Federation, D.E. Kaswe, presented an ex parte application before Justice Inyang Ekwo on Wednesday, seeking an order to protect the identities of prosecution witnesses.
Kaswe asked the court for four orders, including that the witnesses wear facial masks or use a screen while testifying, that the court direct the use of pseudonyms by prosecution witnesses, and that the real names and addresses of prosecution witnesses be deleted throughout the proceedings of this case.
The federal government also sought the court’s permission to limit attendance at the hearings to only the parties involved and their legal representatives, along with members of the accredited press.
“An order of this Honourable Court excluding persons other than parties and their legal representatives at the hearing of the above-named charge except for members of the accredited press.
“An order of this Honourable Court vacating the courtroom whenever the prosecution witnesses are coming to testify.”
Justice Ekwo, in his ruling, granted the government’s motion, ensuring the protection of the witnesses’ identities as requested.
However, Mamu was noticeably absent during the court session, with his legal team explaining that he was en route to the court with security operatives and requesting a stand-down of the matter until his arrival, but the judge rejected the plea, stating that the court did not operate in such manner.
The court adjourned the case until Friday, July 21, for the commencement of the trial.
