The re-arraignment of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu on amended terrorism charges was stalled yesterday before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

New lead defence counsel, Dr Mike Ozekhome (SAN), sought time to enable him to study the amended 15-count charge filed by the prosecution on January 17.

The SAN argued that the defence was ambushed with the fresh charge.

He claimed that the proof of evidence served on the defence by the prosecution was not legible enough to enable them to know what constitutes the fresh charge.

“My Lord, as I am talking now, the defendant does not know the charge yet. He is just interacting with me.

“He cannot be made to take his plea in relation to a charge he has not seen.

“The principle of fair hearing is just being violated by the Federal Government.

“The frail-looking defendant standing in the dock there has not been allowed to access his family as directed by this Honourable Court.

“I went to DSS to see him and I was almost stripped naked before I could see him.

“We pray that the arraignment is adjourned till tomorrow (today) to enable his lawyers to study the new charge along with him in the interest of justice,” Ozekhome said.

Lead prosecuting lawyer, Magaji Labaran, faulted the defence’s claim that the amended charge was an ambush.

He also faulted the defence’s claim of Kanu not being properly fed, allowed to practice his religion and allowed free access to his family members.

He, however, did not object to the defence’s request for an adjournment.

Justice Binta Nyako adjourned till January 19 for arraignment on the amended charge.

Before adjourning, Justice Binta Nyako ordered that the defendant and his lawyers be allowed to interact within the courtroom for a while before being taken away.

On the defendant’s complaints, the judge ordered that he be allowed to change his clothes.

“I don’t want to see him in this clothe again. This one is almost off-white. Also, make sure that you allow him to exercise,” the judge said.

Justice Nyako however reminded the defendant that a detention facility is not a 5-Star hotel.

She declined the defendant’s oral request that a foreign lawyer, Bruce Fein, be allowed into the courtroom to observe proceedings.

The judge said the request would be allowed upon a written application and approval by the Chief Judge.

Operatives of the State Security Service (SSS) brought Kanu

into the courtroom at about 9.50 am.

He exchanged pleasantries with some of his family members and his lawyers.

Earlier, one of Kanu’s lawyers, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, told our correspondent that the defence beefed up its legal team by engaging some senior lawyers, among whom is Ozekhome.

Ejiofor was, however, silent on the identity of the others.

Some supporters of Kanu, who stormed the court premises in large numbers, clashed with security operatives.

They chanted “Holy Holy Holy, Nnamdi Kanu is another Saviour”.

The IPOB supporters were at the other end of the Ministry of Justice when the security agents tried to disperse them.

The supporters refused, arguing that the security operatives gave free access to a pro-government group who were drumming and singing.

This resulted in a face-off between the supporters and security operatives who later called for reinforcement. Commissioner of Police, Sunday Babaji, said there was no clash of any sort.

https://thenationonlineng.net/fresh-treason-charges-force-shift-of-nnamdi-kanus-trial/

Weda Binta or Dinta (hunter) likes it or not she no fit kill kanu, she can only suffer his flesh but she no fit kill am. Oji ife nwata welie aka elu, aka lobe ya ilo owetue ya n'ala............. Chukwuokike abiama is at work.

Kanu nnamadi will be in perpetual bondage till the end of buhari tenure, Igbo should pray buhari should not him to negotiate the president with the incoming president, that is why the Igbos should vote overwhelmingly for the south west, a word is ok for the wise

The government is just running around circles bidding for time. They don't have any case, just employing delay tactics

This news is getting stale...

Meanwhile his children are ordering sit at home suffering themselves anyhow
Smh

It's only a fool who will believe NK would be released anytime soon,under PMB regime.Bubu is a python that never lets its prey go till it has constricted it to death.

God is with you, Amen!

FG just they carry Kanu Handicap 2���

Make them give the man fair trial jooor

Let's watch how this plays out

Better for him.

The pikin wey talk say him baba no go sleep, na him no go touch sleep at all

We need referendum.

It's only a fool who will believe NK would be released anytime soon. Bubu is a python that never lets its prey go till it has constricted it to death

Weldone Nigeria secure the wild animal tight in the cage, I cursed this lunatic when he started threatening and killing fellow igbos, still u see some animals defending him..

“The frail-looking defendant standing in the dock there has not been allowed to access his family as directed by this Honourable Court.



A pathetic Liar

Delay tactics by the Buhari Junta. Malami is playing games with Nigerians

this guy is really tormenting the FG..

Why is the Nigerian government so afraid of this man? They know they have nothing against him, that's why they keep coming up with frivolous reasons to keep extending his trial.
Well, Nelson Mandela did 27 years in prison but was still victorious at the end

Buhari is a terrorist simple

Amuluonyenaego:
Weda Binta or Dinta (hunter) likes it or not she no fit kill kanu, she can only suffer his flesh but she no fit kill am. Oji ife nwata welie aka elu, aka lobe ya ilo owetue ya n'ala............. Chukwuokike abiama is at work.

Stay there and be talking nonsense. To make people like him a vegetable is very easy. Maybe you have not heard that inmates get infected with brain disease where no trace of foul play will be detected.

U don’t get it in nairaland, go and join ESN Carry gun and fight for it, soldiers would waste you then referendum comes in the grave, no go find work..

southsouthking:
We need referendum.

bangging:
this guy is really tormenting the FG..

Abi FG is Tormenting him

Mm

I almost forgot that today is the 19th of January that the case was adjourned to. I was thinking it's tomorrow oooo( Thursday)


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