The Federal High Court has prohibited media coverage of proceedings in the trial of suspected terrorists.
This is contained in a new directive issued by the court’s Chief Judge, John Tsoho.
The court says it is necessitated by the need “to provide measures that will ensure the security and safety of parties; personnel of law enforcement agencies and the judiciary, as well as members of the general public, while ensuring expeditious and fair trial of persons, suspected of having committed acts of terrorism.”
Under the new direction, court perimeters will be secured for the duration of the trial, and the distance of the perimeters will be based on the recommendation of security agencies, on a case-by-case basis.
Only unrestricted personnel will be allowed into the court during such trials.
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They include, court officials, parties and several pre-registered legal practitioners on either side, witnesses and any other person as may be directed by the judge or the most senior judge, depending on the circumstance.
Extra measures have also been put in place to protect the identities of witnesses.
“The names, addresses, telephone numbers and identity of the victims of such offences or witnesses in the proceedings shall not be disclosed in any record or report of the proceedings, and it shall be sufficient to designate the names of the victims or witnesses with a combination of alphabets”.
The restrictions also extend to proceedings within the courtroom.
“Proceedings of offences of terrorism, subject to the provisions of Section 232 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, and Section 34 of the Terrorism (Prevention) Act, 2011 (as amended), shall be held in camera, or as may be ordered by the Court.”
This means that journalists covering the court will be affected by the new directives, as the directive stipulates that, “Coverage of proceedings under these practice directions, is strictly prohibited, save as may be directed by the court.”
Penalties have also been imposed where there is a violation.
“A person who contravenes an order or direction made under these Practice Directions shall be deemed to have committed an offence, contrary to Section 34(5) of the Terrorism (Prevention) Act, 2011 (as amended).”
In Abuja’s Judicial Division, proceedings in terrorism cases will no longer hold at the Federal High Court Building, but at the Code of Conduct Tribunal.
(Editor: Ifeanyi Mark)
