FG Wants Secret Trial For Senator Ndume Over Boko Haram

The Federal Government has solicited a secret trial for the Senator allegedly sponsoring members of the dreaded terrorists group, Boko Haram.

The Nation reported that on Tuesday, the Federal Government directed that the trial of Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume should henceforth be conducted in secret in order to bar members of the public from witnessing the court proceedings.

Senator Ali Ndume

However, the Federal Government request is coming midway into the trial that has long commenced since last year.

It would be recalled that Ndume, a serving Senator representing Southern Borno senatorial district, is standing trial for charges of terrorism at the Federal High Court, in Abuja.

The Department of State Services (DSS) arraigned the Senator before Justice Kolawole, on December 12, 2013 on a four-count charge related to terrorism.

Ndume was accused of sponsoring the terrorists group, Boko Haram as well as declining to provide vital information about the sect’s operations.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday, October 21, 2014, the prosecuting counsel, E.A. Orji, while moving a motion dated September 23, 2014 urged the court to protect the identity of the remaining witnesses scheduled to give evidence in the case.

Orji, who explained that the requested secret trial was part of the protective measures put in place by the government to shield the identities of the witnesses whose security could be endangered if their identities were not kept.

“We urge the court to exclude members of the public from the trial. We also want the court to protect the identities of the remaining witnesses that will give evidence in this case. The fundamental rights of the accused have not been violated because his counsel is represented and has not in any way been excluded from the matter. It is in the interest of national security and public safety that the motion should be granted,” Orji said.

The defense counsel, I. Amaza, however, argued that the prosecution’s request would violate his client’s right to fair hearing, and prayed the court to turn down the request and continue with the trial.
Responding after listening to both counsels, Justice Kolawole adjourned the case to October 24, 2014, for ruling.


It would be recalled that few weeks ago, an aide to Senator Ndume, Iliya Adamu alongside six other persons were rounded up by security operatives and taken into custody for alleged membership of the terrorists group, Boko Haram.