Terrorism: ‘Secret trial like gathering of witches, wizards in coven’ – Ozekhome

 

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.