ABUJA, Nigeria – The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the ongoing terrorism trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), until October 23, 2024, for the defendant to open his defence.
Presiding Justice Binta Nyako, in her ruling on Wednesday, also granted Kanu a one-week period within which to present his witnesses and close his defence against the remaining seven-count charge brought against him by the Federal Government.
The adjournment follows the ruling by the Court of Appeal, which had directed the lower court to proceed with the hearing of the case. The Supreme Court later affirmed this position, overturning the Appeal Court’s earlier controversial judgment that had quashed the charges and ordered Kanu’s release.
Kanu, who has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since his extraordinary rendition from Kenya in June 2021, was present in court for the proceedings.
During the session, the lead prosecution counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, informed the court that the prosecution had closed its case after presenting its witnesses. He then urged the court to call upon the defendant to enter his defence, as is the standard legal procedure.
Kanu’s lead counsel, Alloy Ejimakor, did not object to the prosecution’s position but requested a date for the defence to commence. He also reiterated his client’s longstanding complaints about the conditions of his detention at the DSS facility, stating that it has hampered his ability to adequately prepare for his trial.
In her response, Justice Nyako acknowledged the concerns but emphasized the need for the trial to proceed. She subsequently fixed the week of October 23 for Kanu to present his defence.
“The defendant is given from October 23 to present his case. He has one week to do so,” Justice Nyako stated.
The one-week timeframe given to the defence is a standard case management procedure often employed by courts to ensure trials are conducted without unnecessary delays.
The Federal Government’s charges against Kanu include terrorism, treasonable felony, and broadcasting seditious publications, all of which he has pleaded not guilty to.
The case has been marked by numerous legal twists and adjournments, drawing significant national and international attention. Supporters of Kanu, who were present at the court premises in significant numbers, have consistently called for his unconditional release, labelling the trial as politically motivated.
All eyes will now be on the October 23rd date, as Kanu and his legal team are expected to lay out their case to counter the allegations made by the Nigerian government
