Nnamdi Kanu’s Trial Adjourned Until January 2022

The trial of Nigerian secessionist leader Nnamdi Kanu has been adjourned until January 19, 2022. Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in a sitting on Wednesday, November 10, adjourned the trial of the Indigenous People of Biafra leader for next year as his time in custody with the Department of State Service continues.

The IPOB leader was brought into the courtroom on Wednesday at about 9:52am but complained that security operatives had refused some members of his legal team, including his United States lawyer Bruce Fein access into the courtroom. In response to the action of the DSS, Kanu’s legal team staged a walk-out from the courtroom.

Commenting on the issue, Kanu told Justice Binta that his US lawyer Fein was handling a case in the US on his behalf and was present to witness his trial with the Nigerian government. From the dock, the IPOB leader said: “I have an ongoing case in the US. I have not been allowed to see him. He is here to see me and to observe the proceedings.

“He has been to the DSS to see me, but they denied him access to me.’’

When asked by Justice Binta if he could conduct the proceedings by himself, Kanu said no. Director of Public Prosecution and counsel to the federal government Mr. M.D Abubakar urged the court to proceed with the trial despite the absence of the IPOB leader’s lawyers, arguing that since the Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor led legal team walked out before the arrival of the judge, Kanu’s pending application should be abandoned.

However, Justice Nyako expressed displeasure at the conduct of Kanu’s lawyers but did not dismiss the pending application, rather, she adjourned the trial for January 19 and 20, 2022.

Source

LIB

Featured Image Source: Nigerian Eye