The trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), faces an indefinite delay after a tense exchange 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.
The dispute arose when Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, argued that his client wouldn’t receive a fair trial due to unmet conditions. Ejimakor demanded Kanu’s previously revoked bail be reinstated and raised concerns about alleged surveillance in their meeting room.
Justice Nyako countered these claims, stating the court had already ruled on bail and urging the defense to proceed. The prosecution, represented by Adegboyega Awomolo, further argued against the defense’s requests, calling them “frivolous.”
Faced with the defense’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.
The judge ultimately deferred a decision on the defense’s motions and the prosecution’s case until May 20th. 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 reports for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
