A Federal High Court, Lagos on Tuesday ordered that trial of 17 suspected members of the Boko Haram sect charged with terrorism would be held behind closed doors.
Justice Ibrahim Buba granted an application made by the prosecution, urging that the trial be held in camera.
The accused are Ali Mohammed, Adamu Karumi, Ibrahim Usman, Bala Haruna, Idris Ali, Mohammed Murtala, Kadiri Mohammed, Mustapha Daura, Abba Duguri, Sanni Adamu, Danjuma Yahaya and Musa Audu.
The others are Mati Daura, Farouk Haruna, Abdullahi Azeez, Ibrahim Bukar and Zula Diani.
They are standing trial on an amended seven-count charge of acts of terrorism.
The Prosecution Counsel who is also the Attorney-General of Lagos State, Mr Ade Ipaye, relied on the provisions of Section 36 (4) (a) (b) of the 1999 Constitution while making the application.
In the application supported by a nine-paragraph affidavit, Ipaye had prayed for five orders.
He sought an order directing that prosecution witnesses, being operatives of the State Security Service, should be allowed to give evidence while wearing masks.
The counsel also sought an order restricting pressmen from covering the proceedings, as well as other orders.
The counsel to the accused had supported Ipaye’s application.
Buba relied on the provisions of Sections 203, 204 and 205 of the Criminal Procedure Act, Laws of the Federation.
He also read out the provisions of Section 36 (4) (a) (b) of the 1999 Constitution and made reference to some cases decided abroad.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 17 accused were arraigned on Nov. 27.
The operatives of State Security Service barred newsmen from the covering the arraignment. (NAN)
