The Department of State Services (DSS) has asked a federal high court to shield the identities of two witnesses expected to testify in the trial of Nasir El-Rufai.
El-Rufai was on Thursday arraigned on a five-count amended charge over the alleged unauthorised access to a telephone conversation involving Nuhu Ribadu, the national security adviser (NSA). He pleaded not guilty to all counts.
After the plea was taken, Oluwole Aladeloye, counsel to the DSS, applied for an order allowing the witnesses to testify under pseudonyms and outside public view.
Aladeloye argued that the measure was necessary for security reasons, adding that the witnesses and their families could be exposed to harm from individuals sympathetic to the defendant.
The application was opposed by Oluwole Iyamu, counsel to El-Rufai.
Iyamu told the court that an accused person has a constitutional right to know those testifying against him, adding that the prosecution had not shown any evidence that El-Rufai poses a threat or commands a following capable of endangering witnesses.
He warned that granting anonymity could prejudice the defence.
The defence also asked the court to compel the prosecution to provide proof of evidence to enable preparation for trial.
The DSS opposed the request, arguing that the materials sought were not part of its filed processes.
Iyamu further informed the court that the defendant had filed an application seeking to quash the charge.
In response, the prosecution said it had submitted a written address urging the court to dismiss the application for lacking merit.
El-Rufai has also filed a bail application, which the prosecution said it would not oppose.
The court adjourned the case to May 18, 19, and 20 for the hearing of all pending applications.
