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 in the 2022 attack on a Kaduna-Abuja train, during which several people were killed and others kidnapped for ransom.
The prosecution accuses Mamu of receiving ransom payments totaling $120,000 on behalf of the Boko Haram terrorists from the families of the train attack hostages. He is also alleged to have engaged in voice-note communications with a Boko Haram spokesperson named Baba Adamu, discussing terrorist acts. Additionally, authorities reportedly found $300,000 in terrorist funds in Mamu’s possession. Despite the charges, Mamu has pleaded not guilty.
During a court session, the counsel to the Attorney General of the Federation presented an ex parte application seeking an order to protect the identities of prosecution witnesses. The government requested several measures, including the use of facial masks or screens for witnesses during testimony, the use of pseudonyms for the witnesses, and the removal of real names and addresses of witnesses throughout the proceedings.
The federal government also sought permission to limit attendance at the hearings to only the parties involved, their legal representatives, and members of the accredited press. In response, Justice Inyang Ekwo granted the government’s motion, ensuring the protection of the witnesses’ identities as requested.
However, Mamu was absent during the court session, with his legal team stating that he was en route to the court with security operatives. They requested a stand-down of the matter until his arrival, but the judge rejected the plea, stating that the court does not operate in that manner.
The case has been adjourned until Friday, July 21, for the commencement of the trial. The measures taken by the court to protect witnesses’ identities aim to ensure a fair and secure trial for all parties involved in the Boko Haram terrorism case.
