The trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, might be postponed indefinitely due to disagreements in court between the judge and Kanu’s lawyer.
Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja threatened to adjourn the proceedings indefinitely on Wednesday after Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, argued for better conditions for a fair trial.
Ejimakor demanded Kanu’s previously revoked bail be reinstated and raised concerns about alleged surveillance in their meeting room. “Our access to him has been restricted to 30 minutes per counsel individually,” he said.
“We can’t enter with any writing materials, so we cannot take notes. Our conversations are recorded all the time.”
Justice Nyako saw these requests as a delay tactic, stating the court had already ruled on bail, and threatened to adjourn the case.
The prosecution, represented by Adegboyega Awomolo, further argued against the Ejimakor’s requests. He said they were “frivolous, vexatious, irritating, and unmeritorious.”
Faced with the defence’s reluctance, Justice Nyako presented an ultimatum: “It is either we open this trial today or I adjourn this matter indefinitely till the time you are ready for trial,” she declared
“You cannot continue to hold the court to ransom. I hope you know the consequences of adjourning the trial sine die. You have to make a choice and the choice has to be for you.”
The judge ultimately deferred a decision on the defence’s motions and the prosecution’s case until 20th May. However, she ordered the prosecution to be prepared to call their first witness on that date, leaving the possibility of an indefinite adjournment hanging in the balance.
Kanu faces charges of terrorism and treasonable felony. He was previously granted bail in 2017 but disappeared in 2017 and was rearrested in June 2021.
Ezinwanne Onwuka, senior staff reporter and columnist with WAP is a Nigerian-based writer and content developer. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Her interests include reading, writing, researching and graphic designing.
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