15. On 20 November 2023, Ms. Muluka Miti-Drummond, Ms. Sarah L. Bosha and Ms. Ikponwosa Ero, Independent Experts on the Enjoyment of Human Rights by PWA requested to intervene as amici curiae. On 22 March 2024, the Court granted them leave to intervene as amici curiae directing them to file their brief within 30 days of receipt of the notice. 16. On 16 May 2024, the Parties were notified that the Application had been set down for a public hearing on 5 June 2024 and with the same notice, the programme for the public hearing was forwarded to them. 17. On 31 May 2024, at the request of the Respondent State, the Court ordered the reopening of pleadings and granted the Respondent State 45 days to file its Response. On 22 August 2024, the Respondent State filed its Response, which was transmitted on 23 August 2024 to the Applicants, for their Reply within 15 days and to the amici curiae for information purpose. 18. On 10 and 11 September 2024, the Court held a public hearing in the matter, which was attended by the Applicants, the Respondent State, amici curiae and their representatives. During the public hearing, the Parties raised the following preliminary objections: (a) objection to the amici curiae presenting witnesses, (b) objection to the Respondent State presenting witnesses and (c) objection to the Respondent State’s witness no. 3. 19. In addressing the objection raised by the Respondent State relating to the amici curiae presenting witnesses, the Court held that the amici had already submitted their observations in writing and thus did not need to corroborate the same through witnesses and thus granted the Respondent State’s prayer. 20. In addressing the objection raised by the Applicants relating to the Respondent State presenting witnesses, the Court held that that, even though the Respondent State had submitted its list of witnesses belatedly, presenting them would not prejudice the Applicants. The Court thus 6