Secret Trial Cancelled, Media Blackout Cancelled, Justice Nyako Blasts FG's Failure To Produce Evidence Against Kanu, Others

By Paul Ihechi Alagba

The trial of the leader of Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu and three other Biafran activists who are being held by the Nigeria government on charges of alleged treasonable felon, took a new twist today January 12, 2017 following the cancellation of the controversial secret trial by a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, Nigeria's capital.

  The judge presiding over the case, Ms Binta Fatima Nyako made the ruling before the commencement of proceedings for the day. The judge stated that her ruling is based on the strong opposition of the defendants (Nnamdi Kanu and co) against the move by the federal government for a secret trial during the previous court sittings.

Immediately after the judge's pronouncement, the defense counsel to the Nnamdi Kanu , Hon Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor unequivocally urged the court to  strike off the charges against his client and order for his release from detention.

   "He is only exercising his right to self determination, and has even started his agitation even before the emergence of Muhammadu Buhari as the president of Nigeria," Hon Ejiofor told the honorable court, maintaining that Nnamdi Kanu poses no threat to Nigeria's seat of power.
In furtherance of his case, Barrister Ejiofor drew the attention of the court to a new bail application filed on behalf of the defendants, which is subject to the fact that the charges and accusations levelled against them "lacks merit and basic proof to substantiate their continued illegal detention."

 The prosecuting counsel representing the Nigerian government, Hon S.I Labaran immediately objected against the bail application of the defendants, noting that the 1st defendant (Nnamdi Kanu) possesses dual citizenship and may flee the country on his release.

However, the judge, Ms Nyako rebuked the objection of the counsel to the federal government, noting that his evidence is only based on assumption and is not enough to warrant the continued detention of the defendants. Barrister request and assured that some changes will be made on the next court sitting.

The case was however adjourned to February 10, 2017, for a ruling on the bail application and release of the defendants.



IGBO KWENU !!!