TVC E, NEWS – The prosecution witnesses in the suit against the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, are now to be shielded with screens during trial.
This was the order given by the trial judge, Justice James Tsoho of the Federal High court in Abuja.
Justice Tsoho added that the order was to shield them from the public, in the interest of their safety.
The Director of Public Prosecution, Mohammed Diri, had told the court that the witnesses were ready to testify, but had insisted that they must be shielded from the public.
They had also alleged that they had received threats from associates of the accused, claiming that they would be dealt with.
One of the counsels to Kanu, Chuks Muomah, opposed vehemently, the use of shields at this period, claiming it wasn’t part of the ruling which was delivered on the 19th of last month.
He further accused the federal government of foot dragging, disobeying three different court orders and being unprepared for the trial.
But the counsel to the Federal Government refuted that claim.
A counsel to Kanu says they will appeal the ruling.
The case has been adjourned to the ninth of march for trial.
