The leader of the Independent People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, appeared in court today and was given 14 days to close his defence.
The Judge on duty held that the DSS medical facility Kanu uses is adequate for his medical care, while adjourning his case to the 23rd of November for the commencement of his defence.
Kanu’s legal counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, described the day as a very sad day that will forever live in infamy, stating that the peaceful protests for Kanu’s release planned on October 20th have become more urgent and compelling.
Speaking to newsmen after the court proceedings, Ejimakor lamented that the court ordered that Nnamdi Kanu be examined by the Nigerian medical association but this was never carried out.
He also stated that Kanu;s defence team were served with his medical report today as against the Nigerian court demand that the medical report be served since september 26.
According to Ejimakor, due to the very short notice given to the defence team, they had no time to react to the medical report. The IPOB leader’s legal counsel called it an ambush.
Ejimakor agrued further that the medical report they were served in court today was based on some informal meeting the DSS held with Nnamdi Kanu as far back as 18th September. he stated that kanu’s legal team is at loss and very doubtful of the credibility of the report.
On the readiness of Kanu’s defence team, Ejimakor stated that lawyers are trained for any eventuality and the team is prepared to handle the six days trial period which the court has stipulated. He stated that he chooses not to comment on the proposed eventuality of the trial come October 30th.
Infoeast View
- Mazi Nnamdi Kanu have been held in custody for nearly five years following his kidnap and arrest in Kenya and extradition to Nigeria.
- His movement IPOB, which seeks the actualization of a soverign Biafra state was proscribed by the Muhammadu Buhari adminstration with the backing of South East governors and leaders.
- Kanu’s prolonged detention has raised concerns about abuse of human rights and a peaceful protest slated for october 20th is in place to demand for his immediate release.
