The desire of the
Federal Government to bar journalists from covering the trial of the suspected
bomber of SOJ Plaza in Kaduna state occupied by ThisDay, The Moment and The Sun
newspapers made the government to ask court to stop journalists from covering
the trial of Mr. Mustapha Umar, the prime suspect of the attack. Specifically,
government lawyer, Simon Labaran applied before a Federal High Court,
conducting the trial to that effect.
The arraignment of Mr.
Umar was rescheduled for yesterday, following the unavailability of legal
representation for the suspected terrorist last Tuesday, when he was first
brought to court. The suspect pleaded not guilty to the one-count charge
bordering on terrorism. After taking his plea, Mr. Labaran moved the
application, seeking to bar journalist from covering the proceedings, pursuant
to section 31(3) of the Terrorism Prevention Act of 2011, which according to
the Federal Government lawyer, was to protect the interest of public safety, as
well as the safety of the witnesses who would be called upon to testify against
the suspected terrorist in the course of his trial.
Mr. Umar’s lawyers,
Mr. Frank Umai and Mohammed Umar, both of Manga Chambers in Abuja, did not
oppose the application. However, the court presided over by Justice Adeniyi
Ademola expressed reservations over shutting out the public from the
proceedings, noting that the public was interested in the outcome of the matter
and have a right to know what took place in the course of the trial.
The court advised the
Federal Government lawyer to bring a formal application for the request, even
as it suggested some ways by which witnesses’ identities could be protected
without having to shut out the journalists, whose duty was to inform the
public. Mr. Mustapha Umar, who was charged on a one-count of terrorism related
act had told the court last Tuesday that he was arrested and detained since
April, 2012, and that he was not allowed any visitor, including family members
and requested for a lawyer to be produced for his defence by the Federal
Government, which brought him to court.
However, he had legal
representation yesterday and it was not clear how or who provided the lawyers
to defend him. He was alleged to have driven a white Honda Academy car with
registration number AL 306 MKA, with improvised explosives devices (IEDs) into
the premises of SOJ plaza and detonated same. Over 10 people were reportedly
killed as a result of the attack. The trial judge, Justice Adeniyi Ademola,
subsequently adjourned further proceedings to March 12, 13, 14 and 15. He
ordered the prison authorities to ensure that the suspected terrorist’s lawyers
have unfettered access to him to enable them prepare for his defence. The court
further remanded the suspect in Kuje Prison.
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Society