GOVERNMENT lawyers have applied for special witness protection status for those it intends to call to testify against Radio Biafra director Nnamdi Kanu amid fears that his supporters may make attempts on their lives.
In October this year, Mr Kanu was arrested security operatives after arriving from London and his arrest sparked off a series of demonstrations across Igboland as thousands of youths marched calling for his release. He is facing six charges including trying to annexe Igala and Idoma areas in Kogi and Benue States ad treason.
Over the last week, Mr Kanu has appeared in court amid tight security and as the trial proper to commence on February 19, the government is preparing to call several witnesses. Amid fears that Mr Kanu's supporters and members of his Indigenous People of Biafra (Ipob) may harm the witnesses, government lawyers have asked for special protection for its witnesses.
Yesterday, prosecution counsel, Mohamed Diru filed an application asking the court to guarantee the safety and protection of witnesses it hopes to call in the case. His colleague Ifeanyi Ejiofor, had informed the court that the witnesses were receiving threats that their lives would be in danger if they come to testify against the accused.
Mr Kanu was denied bail yesterday on the grounds that he would escape trial being in possession of a British passport and that the allegations against him were grave and a threat to national security. He was also denied the return of his passport and the sums of $2,200 and N87,000 that were seized from him.
In his ruling, Justice Tsoho denied bail but directed that relatives of the defendants should be allowed into the court premises as much as the court can accommodate after due screening. Among the others charges Mr Kanu faces include maintaining an unlawful society and concealing goods of different descriptions, including a radio transformer.
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