Categories: AFRICALatest

Biafra Separatist Kanu’s Lawyers Walk Out as Judge Adjourns Trial Till Next Year

Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has adjourned the trial of the leader of the proscribed
Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu to January 19, 2022.
However, before the judge came into the court room, Kanu’s lawyers, staged a walk-out to protest the refusal of operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) to allow some members of the legal team to come into the courtroom.
Kanu, who was brought into the courtroom around 9:52am, had shortly after his case was called up, complained about the refusal of security agents to allow some members of his legal team, especially his lawyer from the the United States of America, Bruce Fein, to enter the courtroom.
The IPOB leader told the court that Mr. Fein, whom he said was handling a case for him in the US, was around to witness his trial.
Speaking from the dock, Kanu 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.”
Asked by the judge, if he was ready to conduct the proceedings himself, in the absence of his lawyers, Kanu replied in the negative.
Meanwhile, counsel to the federal government, Mr. M. D. Abubakar, who is also the Director of Public Prosecution, urged the court to proceed with the trial in the absence of Kanu’s lawyers.
Abubakar reminded the court that the case was fixed for hearing of an application filed by the Defendant.
He argued that since Kanu’s lead counsel, Mr. Ifeanyi Ejiofor, who was initially inside the courtroom, walked out with his team shortly before the arrival of the judge, his pending application should be deemed abandoned.
In a short ruling, though Justice Nyako expressed his displeasure over the conduct of Kanu’s lawyers, she declined to dismiss the pending application and rather adjourned the case till January 19 and 20, 2022, for trial.
As Kanu was being driven away from the court, his supporters started singing his praises.
From nowhere, another group called One Nigeria Advocate carrying Nigerian flags appeared with drums, singing in support of the nation. They waved Nigerian flags. They also carried coffins with some names of people killed in the South East including Gulag
While those supporting Kanu described him as another saviour, those protesting in support of government called him a terrorist. Some carried coffins with names of some of the people killed in the South East.
They also carried placards with inscriptions- “IPOB are terrorists”, “IPOB stop killings our security men”, “One Nigeria one nation” “NNAMDI Kanu is a terrorist”, “IPOB is a terrorist organization”, “Respect your country Nigeria”.
Tension rose but did not degenerate probably because security agencies were at alert.
Tobi Soniyi

Follow us on:

AriseNews

Recent Posts

Okpebholo: Obaseki Frustrating Handing Over Power To Me

Senator Okpebholo has accused Obaseki of attempting to frustrate a peaceful power transfer and making…

8 hours ago

Tens of Thousands Protest In Valencia Over Floods, Demand Resignation Of Regional Leader Carlos Mazón

Valencia’s citizens are protesting and demanding accountability after the deadly floods, criticising regional head Carlos…

13 hours ago

Qatar Suspends Mediation Efforts in Israel-Hamas Talks Amid Escalating Tensions, Diplomatic Frustrations

Qatar has suspended its mediation role in Israel-Hamas talks, citing lack of willingness from both…

13 hours ago

Ukrainian War: Varsity Don Asks UN, Others to Stop Russia from Alleged Recruitment of Nigerian Women

A Nasarawa professor Akyala has urged the UN to condemn Russia’s alleged illegal human labour…

15 hours ago

Trump Wins All Swing States, With Arizona Win Projected In 2024 US Election Victory

Trump has been projected to win Arizona, completing a sweep of all seven swing states

15 hours ago

Equatorial Guinea’s Baltasar Remanded in Prison over 400 Sex Tapes Scandal

Equatorial Guinea’s former anti-graft chief Engonga has been jailed in for allegedly recording over 400…

15 hours ago