The Federal High Court in Abuja has warned defence lawyers against delaying the trial of four suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, charged with terrorism, kidnapping and the killing of a State Security Service operative.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik issued the warning on Wednesday after defence counsel requested an adjournment, citing the need for more time to study the case file and review video evidence.

The defendants, Michael Okafor, Chinedu Chukwudozie, Chibunna Olisa and Chigozie Olisa, pleaded not guilty to a six-count charge.

The prosecution alleges that they conspired to commit terrorism, abducted SSS operative, Ekpenyong Owoh, while he was travelling from Port Harcourt to Awka, and subsequently killed him. They are also accused of belonging to IPOB and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network, and unlawfully possessing firearms, including an AK-47 rifle and a pump-action gun.

During Wednesday’s proceedings, the prosecution sought permission to conceal the identities of its witnesses, citing security concerns.

Defence counsel opposed the request, but the judge ruled that exposing witnesses in a terrorism case would not serve the interest of justice. She directed that a witness be identified by the code name “AB” and warned that violations of the relevant provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act could attract a one-year jail term.

The defence subsequently sought an adjournment, with one lawyer saying he was appearing in the case for the first time and another citing the recent service of video evidence.

Justice Abdulmalik cautioned the lawyers against unruly conduct and stressed the need for an expeditious trial, noting that the case was important despite the court’s heavy workload.

The matter was adjourned until October 28 for the commencement of trial.