The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered that the identities of the witnesses in the case of the Nigerian government against some Boko Haram members, be kept secret.

This follows a request made by the prosecution, that the court should allow the witnesses give their evidence behind a screen and that their identities be kept secret.

The suspect, Mohammed Usman a.k.a Khalid Al-Barnawi, and six other Boko Haram members, were arraigned on March 14 for allegedly killing five foreigners who were abducted in Kebbi State in 2011.

The charges against the defendants also border on terrorism and threats to national security.

On the application that the court varies the order made on March 14 that the defendants be remanded in prison custody, the prosecution asked that the accused persons be remanded in DSS custody pending their trial, on the grounds of public safety and national security.

The defendants, however, argued that the prosecution had already violated the court’s order before bringing the application, stating that they cannot ask the court to vary an order which has been violated.

After hearing both arguments, Justice Tsoho adjourned till May 25 for his ruling. (Channels TV)

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