Trial Of Journalist Abiri Adjourned

The Federal High Court, Maitama Abuja, which began the trial of Jones Abiri, the editor and publisher of the Source newspaper, Bayelsa State, has adjourned till April.

Abiri was arrested in 2016 by the Department of State Services (DSS).

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The Federal government is prosecuting the journalist for his alleged involvement in militancy and economic blackmail.

The court was presided by Justice Ifeoma Ojukwu.

The prosecution counsel prayed the court to allow its witnesses to be shielded and not exposed.

But the defense counsel, Samuel Agala objected, saying that shielding the witnesses will jeopardize fair hearing.

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“The witnesses are well known to us, ” he said.

But the prosecution counsel replied that the names on the list( which the defendant was referring to) were pseudo names.

“We will see the witnesses but the gallery will not see the witnesses.

“You are entitled to see the witnesses, Ojukwu said.

The judge said only the lawyers and accredited journalist will see the witnesses.

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The prosecution also prayed the court to adjourn the trial.

But counsel to the defendant, said that the prosecution should have brought in witnesses.

The judge adjourned the case to 21,22,23 April “for definite trial.”

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