Justice John Tsoho on Tuesday ruled that granted the application to shield the identities of the witnesses from the members of the public in the course of the trial. The Federal Government counsel, Suleiman Labaran had applied for the protection of the witnesses following the arraignment of the defendant on an eleven count charges of terrorism on March 14, which they pleaded not guilty. They accused are; Mohammed Usman (aka Khalid Albarnawi), described as the leader of a Boko Haram splinter group, Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina Fi Biladis Sudan (a.k.a ANSARU); Mohammed Bashir Saleh, Umar Bello (aka Abu Azzan); Mohammed Salisu (Datti); Yakubu Nuhu (aka Bello Maishayi), Usman Abubakar (Mugiratu) and a lady, Halima Aliyu. They are charged with conspiracy, hostage taking, supporting a terrorist group, membership of a terrorist group, illegal possession of firearms and concealing information on terrorism.]]>