The Federal High Court, Abuja, Monday, adjourned the trial of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu to October 21, following the failure of the Department of State Security DSS to produce him in court.
When the matter was called up, Justice Binta Nyako said nothing could be done since the defendant, Kanu, was not produced in court by the DSS.
According to the prosecution counsel, Mohammed Abubakar, Kanu was not in court due to logistic reasons.
Justice Nyako then ordered the DSS to allow Kanu’s lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor access to his client and promised to work with lawyers to the prosecution and defence and head of the security team to work out a plan to allow Ejiofor access to his client who he, claims he hasn’t seen in eight days.
Justice Nyako then adjourned the case till October 21 but said the date could be brought back if the prosecution was able to obtain a fiat from the court’s Chief Judge to allow proceedings during the ongoing vacation of the court.
Kanu is standing charges bordering on terrorism, treasonable felony, unlawful possession of firearms, and management of an unlawful society.
Meanwhile, banks, shops, and industries in Onitsha and Nnewi were shut Monday, July 26, as the trial of Nnamdi Kanu resumed at the Federal High Court Abuja.
According to reports from the state, youths suspected to be IPOB members allegedly blocked the entrance and exits from Onitsha including the Onitsha head bridge and the industrial town of Nnewi.
The roads leading to major markets in Onitsha were also allegedly occupied by IPOB members to ensure that residents stay at home in solidarity with the IPOB leader, who is being arraigned in Abuja today.
Drivers who entered Onitsha were allegedly ordered to return to their destination.
Youth suspected to be IPOB members also lit bonfires in the streets as they ensured compliance to the sit-at-home order.
As the trial of Nnamdi Kanu continued at the Abuja High court Monday, July 26, some IPOB members were arrested by security operatives.
The arrested members of the secessionist group had come to support their leader, during his arraignment.
The IPOB members were chanting slogans in support of Kanu and demanding his freedom.
There was commotion as the police tried to disperse members of the group, and some of them were subsequently arrested while others fled.
