The trial of 11 members of the Biafra Zionist Federation, BZF, took another dimension on Tuesday as the prosecuting counsel approached the Federal High Court sitting in Enugu, asking that further proceedings be held in the secret.
The prosecutor, Barr. David Emmanuel Kaswe, had argued that it was in the best interest of the witnesses that the trial should not be held in open court but behind closed doors.
Kaswe, however, stated that not holding the treason trial in open court did not mean that it would amount to secret trial because the media and key witnesses would be allowed into the court hall.
“We are not asking for a secret trial. Accredited journalists can be allowed to participate for the public to know what is happening”, he argued.
To back up his plea that the public be excluded from future trial of the case, he cited the case of Kabiru Sokoto and the FG, which was held behind closed doors.
However, the defence counsel, Barr. Olu Omotayo, pleaded that the trial should be held in open court for the public to see that justice was done and that fair trial was followed.
Omotayo cited Section 36 sub section 34 of the constitution that allowed for public witnessing of the trial and prayed the court that the trial should continue in open court.
Before Justice V. Agishi adjourned for ruling on the secluded trial, defense counsel had argued against admitting unmarked evidence brought by the prosecuting counsel but was overuled.
Speaking in an interview, Barr. Kaswe said that the 4th and 5th witnesses, who witnessed the incident, should be protected, hence the request for secrecy.
DAILY POST recalls that the leader of the pro-Biafran group, Barr. Ben Onwuka and 10 other members of his group have been standing trial since June last year after they attempted to make a live broadcast at the Enugu State Broadcasting Service.
They were later slammed with treason charges for allegedly trying to overthrow the government of President Goodluck Jonathan.
Efforts by the defense counsel to secure bail for the activists have not yielded fruit.
The case has been adjourned to June 11 for ruling.
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