THE trial against the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, at the Federal High Court in Abuja has been adjourned to September 23, 25, and 26, 2024 due to difficulties in commencing the trial properly.
Justice Binta Nyako made the adjournment after the defense counsels prayed the court to explore section 17 of the Federal High Court Act, following the denial of his application to quash the remaining 7 count charge against Kanu.
Section 17 of the Act enables the court to promote reconciliation among the parties and facilitate amicable settlements in proceedings.
This was the statement of Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyer, Alloy Ejimakor, before Justice Binta Nyako following the dismissal of Kanu’s fresh motion challenging the court’s jurisdiction to hear charges 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, and 15 as unconstitutional.
The court ruled that it could not overrule itself on previously settled matters, and that the applicant’s sole choice was to go on appeal.
During the proceedings, Ejimakor stated that the trial cannot continue if his client’s right to a fair hearing is being questioned.
Additionally, he pointed out the Department of State Services’ (DSS) failure to fully comply with court orders, leading to the possibility of contempt of court proceedings against the DSS Director General.
In response to the issue of section 17 of the High Court Act, 2011, the prosecution lawyer, Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, stated that he did not have instructions to negotiate with the defendant over the charges and directed the defense to approach the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) for negotiation.
The trial judge ordered the DSS to provide an “unbugged space” for Kanu to meet with his lawyers, and directed both parties to file necessary documents for trial proceedings.
The trial was adjourned to September 24, 25, and 26, 2024.
Nnamdi Kanu, speaking to reporters today in court, emphasized his commitment to peace and denied involvement in the killing of soldiers in Abia State, condemning all forms of violence and expressing the desire for freedom and non-violence.
