Victor Ezeja
Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has adjourned trial of the leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), till Wednesday, January 19, 2022.
Kanu who has been facing charges bordering on alleged terrorism and treasonable felony, in a trial that started in July last year, was brought to court around 7am Tuesday (today) amidst tight security.
The adjournment followed Kanu’s complain that the Federal Government failed to promptly serve him the fresh 15-count amended charge it brought before the court.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe Federal Government had amended the charges against Kanu, increasing the number to 15.
Duirng the proceedings, Chief Mike Ozekhome, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria who has joined Kanu’s defence team as leader, told the court that the amended charges was served on him barely 24 hours to the court hearing, adding that such has been the case in previous amendments to the charges.
“My Lord, the proposed amended charges were served on us yesterday (Monday) evening. As I speak to you, my lord, the defendant, who was just brought in, has not even seen the charges which he is being told to enter his plea.
“With due respect, that is not justice. It is ambushing. I know that the Administration of Criminal Justice Act allows the Federal Government to amend, but this is the sixth amendment they are making, and each time they do it, they serve us a day to the hearing, just to frustrate the trial,” Ozekhome stated.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
