The Federal High Court in Abuja has approved an application made by the Federal Government to safeguard the identities of witnesses set to testify against Tukur Mamu, who is accused of being a terrorist collaborator.
Tukur Mamu, a cleric and publisher based in Kaduna, is facing trial in connection with a terrorist attack on a Kaduna-Abuja train in March of the previous year. This attack resulted in the death of at least eight individuals, with numerous others abducted for ransom.
Mamu was arraigned in March of the current year and is facing ten charges related to terrorism financing, among others. He is accused of receiving ransom payments amounting to $120,000 on behalf of Boko Haram terrorists from families of hostages taken during the train attack. Additionally, he is alleged to have engaged in voice-note communications related to acts of terrorism with one Baba Adamu, a Boko Haram spokesperson. Furthermore, he is accused of possessing terrorist funds totaling $300,000.
Mamu has pleaded not guilty to all charges brought against him.
During a court session on Wednesday, the Attorney General of the Federation’s counsel, D.E. Kaswe, presented an ex parte application before Justice Inyang Ekwo, seeking an order to protect the identities of the prosecution witnesses. The application requested that witnesses wear facial masks and/or use a screen while testifying, and be identified by pseudonyms throughout the proceedings. The prosecution also sought to limit attendance at the trial to only the parties involved and their legal representatives, along with accredited press members.
Justice Ekwo granted the motion as requested and scheduled the commencement of the trial for July 21. Despite an application to stand down the matter due to the defendant, Mamu, being on his way to the court with security operatives, the judge refused the request, and the hearing proceeded accordingly.