The trial of the self-acclaimed leader of the proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, in terrorism and treasonable felony charges brought against him by the Federal Government has been adjourned to October 21, due to his absence from the court.
The trial judge, Justice Binta Nyako, insisted that Kanu be brought to court to stand trial, after being repatriated back to the country.
When the matter was called, the prosecution counsel, Mohammed Abubakar, told the court that the defendant has not been produced by the Department of State Services, (DSS).
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He however requested the court to proceed without a fiat, taking into consideration, that the court has commenced vacation, and Justice Binta Nyako is not one of the vacation judges.
Kanu’s counsel, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, informed the court of an application before the court, seeking the transfer of Kanu from DSS custody, to the correctional center.
The trial judge, Justice Binta Nyako, held that the trial of Kanu cannot proceed in his absence.
She insisted that Kanu must be physically in court, since he is now available, to face his trial.
But the court needed a fiat for the judge to continue with the trial, considering the commencement of the court vacation.
Efforts by Ejiofor for the order of the court to transfer Kanu to a Correctional Service Centre failed.
The trial was therefore adjourned to 21 of October 2021.
Kanu is being charged of treasonable felony.
The IPOB leader was accused of inciting violence for his agitation for the independent Republic of Biafra.
(Editor: Ifeanyi Mark)