• As IPOB lawyer faults prosecution for setback in the trial
June 18, 2019
By Chikwas Onu Ikpe
For Biafra Writers
In the ongoing trial of the leader of the Indigenous People Of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, and his co-defendants, the trial Justice Binta Nyako (Mrs) of the Federal High Court Abuja delayed hearing till October 31, 2019, following her inability to preside the case and/or indisposed health status.
Owing to the information made available at the court, the judge stressed on her ailing (sick) condition as being an impediment towards today's proceedings.
Recall that on the last adjourned date, the court had slated today (Tuesday) to progress the suit filed against the IPOB's leader, Nnamdi Kanu, in his absence; and severally, the other four other defendants.
Nevertheless, the lead counsel to the defendants, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, reacting to the development, confirmed the sickly condition of the judge, saying that she is obviously, seriously ‘down,’ and indisposed; and could not entertain any matter on her desk.
Reacting to the advancement of the case, Ejiofor said that his clients are always ready, but the prosecution.
According to him, “The federal government of Nigeria is not ready to prosecute this matter because there is nothing before the court in the first place. They cannot prosecute the case in a vacuum.
“As fundamental as our application is, urging the court to vacate the bench warrant issued against our client, the state would have countered it if they had any matter to present, but they did not file any counter affidavit to that effect. That will show you they are not serious.
“We have promptly addressed the court via applications, with furnished facts lying on documents that are very overwhelming, convincing the court to vacate that (bench warrant) order because we are talking about what led to the inability of our client [Nnamdi Kanu] to present himself in court for trial. The fact is in public domain, and the world is aware.
“We have supplied the court with shreds of evidence of what transpired in his house on September 14, 2017, how his house was invaded by the military, and also how he was able to get to where he is today.”
Also, the defence counsel shedded light on the application seeking the adoption of written addresses bothering the ‘trial within trial’ of the other (quartet) defendants.
“Most importantly,” Ejiofor pointed out a pending application challenging the qualification of the charges, outrightly. Same, he said, “is overripe for hearing.” He, therefore, insisted that on the next adjourned date, the court shall foremost hear the pending application prior to the suit.
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Publisher: Charles Opanwa
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