The trial of suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, and four other individuals for drug offences took place behind closed doors at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday. Journalists were barred from attending the proceedings, which centered around allegations that Kyari and his co-defendants unlawfully tampered with seized cocaine and engaged in drug trafficking.

In addition to Abba Kyari, the defendants included ACP Sunday Ubia, ASP Bawa James, Inspector Simon Agirigba, and Inspector John Nuhu. They were accused of tampering with 21.25 kilograms of cocaine seized from drug traffickers and involvement in the trafficking of cocaine valued at 17.55 kilograms.

The trial took a significant turn when Justice Emeka Nwite ordered journalists, as well as other litigants’ lawyers and individuals present in the courtroom, to leave before the proceedings began. This decision came after an application by the lead prosecuting counsel for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Sunday Joseph, who sought to protect the identity of the upcoming witnesses.

Although other lawyers with cases in the court protested the decision, Justice Nwite appealed for their understanding and assured them that their cases would be heard later. He clarified that the measure was to ensure the privacy and safety of the witnesses, emphasizing that the proceedings would not extend throughout the entire day.

Responding to journalists’ inquiries regarding the application, Sunday Joseph stated that it was made to safeguard the intelligent officers who would serve as witnesses. He invoked the doctrine of state privilege in the interest of national security, explaining that the current set of witnesses could not have their identities exposed to the public.

As the trial progresses, the decision to hold the proceedings behind closed doors raises questions about transparency and public access to information. It underscores the sensitive nature of the case, particularly concerning national security concerns and the protection of witnesses involved in law enforcement operations.

The move to protect the witnesses is seen as crucial to maintaining their safety and ensuring their willingness to provide testimony. However, it also highlights the need to balance the principle of open justice with the imperative of protecting sensitive information and individuals involved in high-stakes criminal cases.