Court Adjourns Nnamdi Kanu’s Trial, Bail Application Until March 19 And 20

The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), until 19 March.

The court also scheduled March 20, for the commencement of the resumed trial.

The adjournment came after arguments from counsels to the parties involved, and the trial, which resumed on February 26, 2024, followed the Supreme Court’s judgment on December 15, 2023.

The Supreme Court’s decision in December overturned the Court of Appeal’s judgment that had previously freed Mr. Kanu, reinstating the trial for terrorism before Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court.

During the proceedings on Monday, the prosecuting lawyer, Adegboyega Awomolo, who appeared for the first time as part of the federal government’s prosecution team, promised to call at least two witnesses on the adjourned date.

This marked a significant change in the prosecution team, with an external prosecutor leading for the first time since the case began in 2015.

Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, requested a fresh bail application during the proceedings.

He based the request on the Nigerian constitution, asserting that a defendant is entitled to adequate time and resources to prepare for their defense.

Mr. Ejimakor raised concerns about the State Security Service (SSS) operatives eavesdropping on confidential conversations between Kanu and his legal team.

The lawyer highlighted issues impeding Mr. Kanu’s effective defense preparation and emphasized his deteriorating health condition, urging the judge to grant bail.

In response, the prosecuting lawyer, Mr. Awolowo, disagreed with Mr. Ejimakor, describing the bail application and preliminary objection to the commencement of the trial as “irritating” and lacking legal basis.

The judge, Justice Binta Nyanko fixed March 19, 2024, to rule on the fresh bail application, with the commencement of the resumed trial scheduled for March 20.

KanyiDaily recalls that Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide had disclosed its intention to meet with President Bola Tinubu to advocate for the release of Nnamdi Kanu.