The trial of secessionist agitator and leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, at a Federal High Court in Abuja, resumed, on Monday, without having Kanu physically in court.
The matter was called at about 11.10 a.m. after counsel representing parties in the matter announced an appearance.
The lead counsel to the prosecution, M. B. Abubakar, informed the court that the case is for hearing and although the defendant has not yet been produced by the Department of State Services (DSS), holding him in custody, the prosecution is ready to proceed with the trial.
He, however, requested the court to proceed with the trial without a fiat taking into consideration that the court has commenced vacation and the trial Judge, Justice Binta Nyako was not one of the vacation judges.
Reacting, Kanu’s counsel, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, informed the court of an application he filed seeking the transfer of Kanu from DSS custody to the correctional centre.
The trial judge held that the trial of Kanu cannot proceed in the absence of the IPOB leader, having been arrested and brought into the country.
She insisted that Kanu must physically be brought to court since he is now available to face his trial and urged the prosecution to ensure that Kanu be brought to court to witness his trial.
She, therefore, adjourned the matter till October 21, 2021.
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