Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja has bared Journalists covering the ongoing trial of the suspended DCP Abba Kyari from entering into the courtroom.
The judge gave the order on Tuesday following an application by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The application was made by the NDLEA’s thought it’s director of Legal and Prosecution Department, Sunday Joseph.
Joseph prayed the court to bar journalists and those that are not parties in the trial leave the courtroom in order to protect a witness.
The application
The application was made by the NDLEA in order to protect a witness scheduled to give evidence in the matter.
Mr Joseph prayed the court not to allow journalist, lawyers, litigants and visitors into the courtroom while the hearing is ongoing.
The judge consented and stood down the case to allow non-parties in the anti-narcotic suit leave the courtroom.
When asked the reason for the application Mr Joseph told journalist that the current witness identity cannot be exposed .
He revealed that they observed that Kyari’s team mates who were loyal to him still attend the court proceeding.
He said “And you don’t know who is who; so, it is for the witness’ protection
“We are now going into the nitty gritty of the matter and there have been allegations that we are just witch-hunting them,” he alleged.
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Background
The NDLEA arraigned kyari on March 7 2022 before the federal high court in Abuja alongside four others.
He is being prosecuted over alleged drug trafficking offences and is
being detained at the Kuje correctional facility in Abuja.
Other defendants in the suit include ACP Sunday Ubia, ASP James, Inspector Simon Agirigba and Inspector John Nuhu.