The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted the request of the Department of the State Service DSS to shield the identities of the witnesses that would give evidence in the trial of the five alleged Al-Shabab terrorists involved in the June 5, 2022 attack at St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State, in which over 40 worshippers died.
The accused persons who were brought to court under tight security by operatives of the Department of the State Service DSS complained bitterly that they had been kept in custody for three years.
While arguing the application, the lawyer submitted that the accused persons have assembled reliable and responsible sureties to stand for them.
The request was however vehemently opposed by the DSS lawyer, Dr C. S Eze on the ground that the accuses persons may bolt away because of the gravity of the charges against them.
He urged the court to refuse the bail application and allow the defendants to remain in the DSS custody.
After taking arguments for and against, Justice Emeka Nwite fixed September 10 to make his decision known on the matter.
However, Justice Nwite has adjourned till September 10 to deliver a ruling on the defence bail application.
