The Federal High Court in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital has fixed April 8, 2022, for ruling on a preliminary objection filed by the detained proscribed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, challenging the validity of the 15-count amended charges against him by the Nigerian Government.
Justice Binta Nyako fixed the date after counsel to the defendant, Mr Mike Ozekhome and the prosecution counsel Shuaibu Labaran, adopted arguments for and against the Defendant’s preliminary objection.
Mr Ozekhome in the application objected that the 15-counts amended charges filed against his client by the Nigerian government are defective and lack merit.
The amended charges borders on Alleged commission of acts of terrorism, felony, incitement, unlawful importation of a radio transmitter and leading an illegal organization.
The defendant’s counsel argued that the way and manner the proscribed leader of IPOB Nnamdi Kanu was arrested and brought to Nigeria was illegal.
“The defendant was unlawfully brought to Nigeria against his will and in flagrant violation of international protocol on extradition,” Ozekhome said.
The defence counsel while seeking bail for his client argued that his Mr Kanu is not a member of a proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra IPOB since the Nigerian court of Appeal is yet to decide on the proscription of the group.
Kanu’s lawyer urged the court to free his client by critically studying the matter.
However, the prosecution’s counsel, Shuaibu Labaran has asked the court to discountenance Kanu’s objection and proceed to order him to enter a defence.
He argued that IPOB is a proscribed organization by the Nigerian government and has followed due process of law.
The prosecution counsel noted that the court is competent to hear all the charges against the IPOB leader.
Mr Labaran urged the court to refuse the application and commence the trial.
Justice Binta Nyako adjourned the matter to the 8th of April to rule on Kanu’s applications to quash the charges against him.
Meanwhile, the court has directed the department of legal services to give the detained IPOB leader back his eyeglasses or provide him with a new one to protect his vision.
Justice Binta Nyako also, directed that plain clothes be given to him asides from clothing items with the image of a lion head or designs that associates him with a group.
PIAK
