The lead Counsel to Nnamdi Kanu, pro-Biafra agitator, Mike
Ozekhome has faulted the new Federal High Court practice directions barring
journalists from covering terrorism trials.
Faulting the new rule, Ozekhome said secret trial is like
the gathering of witches and wizards in a coven.
He spoke while addressing journalists shortly after a court
session on Friday.
The activist lawyer said the new directions were
“inconsistent with the constitution”.
He said: “I do not believe in secret trials because section
36 of the constitution talks about open trials.
“I do not mind if they move the venue to another place that
does not disturb other litigants, but I’m worried about the provision that
screens off journalists, the fourth estate of the realm.
“If you stifle information, the wrong information can
emanate from the rumour mill and that is a more dangerous issue.
“I am against the issue of making it look like a secret
trial as if a trial is like a gathering of witches and wizards in a coven. It
should be a public trial that the whole world can watch.
“I’m going to challenge some portions of the new practice
directions as being unconstitutional.”
The new rule states that terrorism proceedings will be
conducted in secret.
The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Tsoho had
signed the new terrorism trial rule.
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