A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered that the alleged mastermind of the April 14 Nyanya bomb blast, Aminu Ogwuche and five orders be tried in camera.



Justice Ahmed Mohammed, who gave the order, also allowed the prosecution to use aliases for the defence witnesses.

At the resumed trial of Aminu Oguwche and five others accused of carrying out the April 14 Nyanya bomb blast which claimed over 76 lives, the Prosecution applied to hold the trial in camera to protect the witnesses in the case.

The prosecutors also wanted the court to allow the witnesses be masked to prevent a breach of their personal safety.

The Director of Public Prosecution, Musa Din, told the court that the nature of the case for which the accused persons are standing trial is sensitive and there was the need to ensure witnesses’ protection so as not to expose them to danger.

The defence lawyers did not oppose a camera trial, they however opposed the application for the witnesses to be masked.

This was on the grounds that it is alien to Nigerian laws and masking the witnesses would deny the defence the opportunity to properly examine the witnesses.

They argued that this also violates the rights of the accused persons to fair hearing.

Justice Ahmed Mohammed, while granting three of the prayers which bothered on witnesses protection, however, rejected an application requesting that the witnesses be masked.

He said that there would be no threat to the witnesses because members of the public have been excluded from the trial. He advised the prosecution to take other measures to protect the identity of the witnesses during trial.

Justice Mohammed ordered that the accused persons, their lawyers and selected journalists screened by the court be allowed access for the trial.

Ogwuche was extradited from Sudan with the help of Interpol on July 15, 2014 to answer charges of terrorism leveled against him in relation to the twin bombing in Nyanya motor park in the outskirts of Abuja which claimed 76 lives on April 14, 2014.


http://www.channelstv.com/2015/03/17/court-orders-that-alleged-nyanya-bombers-be-tried-in-camera/

Kai! Naija witness protection na to mask people.
Naija funny die!

The don't want us to know that he has been working for the government.

Fellow nairalanders, from the comments below it appears many do not know that "in camera" is a legal term that means "in private".

First smart decision by the judiciary, since the war on terror began.

Are they trying to end the case without justice taking its course?

all the plan is set......
gate of hell would be open
only if Gej wins there will be peace in Nigeria
no Gej no Nigeria

Anything for the safety of the witnesses, i am in support of it. Infact, if possible, let the witnesses also be in bullet proof vests. Because water don dey want pass garri oooo!

Ohh

yes let's know if Fashola as usual will look for someone to blame...

GEJ i know it hasn't been a smooth ride for u...but believe me...u have more potentials than ur rivals...pls take us to de promised land...

GEJ till 2019

Pishore or

but y r those guys still alive till this moment??

That's nice

The way issues are been attended to at this last lap...hmmm.. All thanks to APC for been a formidable opposition.

I don't support this judgement. What's wrong with the judge

The informants will be unmasked and that will also put in jeopardy the lives of the investigating officer and his family members.

camera- yes
masking witnesses - no.
if you are bold enough to be a witness while hiding behind mask?

.

Hmmmmm
On camera?





Judiciary but aliases isn't enough protection since it would be on camera, Like I know Okon on my street it doesn't matter if you change his name to Salami, I'll still know.



Hmmmm

So how long while they go on trial ? Nija

Wow!! dis is serious

What the hell! tried on camera or executed on camera, where their kingpin, Buhari, would be watching. His time is over. . . .he's never had a time anyway. And somebody should tell his wife to stop frying akara and deceiving people with her unnecessary benevolence







GEJ all the way!!!

some things need to remain unseen

Abeg oo Camera please, this one that one presidential candidate has been having closed door meetings with touts, thieves, witches and ritualist just for him to be president, the person wont mind negotiating to get some vote from this animal

Naija I hail thee

jamex93:
but y r those guys still alive till this moment??

I wonder Ooo


He that kill by sword will die by the sword. Likewise bomb.


I maybe be wrong though.

Hmm, they should make sure the witnesses are comfortable to give their testimony and should not be put at risk o.
This is very important to have witness cooperation in the future. I'm sure the prosecution must have already promised/assured the witnesses of their safety. Hope the court does not jeopardize this.
Some countries even have Witness Protection Schemes/Programmes. I don't know if we have such.

11
.
Days
.
To
.
Go
.
P > please
V > vote
C > change
I will cast only one vote in this coming election
I will vote for only of man.
SAI BUHARI. The only man and candidate I'm voting for.
Fûck the reps and senators. 99% of them are useless and thieves.