Court Grants Secret Witness Protection in Alleged Coup Trial

The Federal High Court in Abuja approved a request to shield the identity of a key witness in the trial of six accused coup plotters. Justice Joyce Abdulmalik granted the application after submissions from both the prosecution and defence. The defendants face 13 counts including treason, terrorism, failure to disclose security intelligence and money laundering. They pleaded not guilty to all charges when they were arraigned on April 22. Three bankers from Jaiz Bank, SunTrust Bank and Providus Bank testified and tendered documents from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. When a fourth witness was called, the prosecution sought full anonymity under Section 232 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, citing security risks. The defence agreed that public shielding was needed but argued they still required the witness’s identity for a fair hearing. The judge ruled that non-disclosure of names and personal details was justified in this terrorism-related case and ordered the witness to testify behind a protective screen.

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