x

Court Session: Why Kanu Was Absent – DSS

Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), failed to show up at a federal high court in Abuja on Monday.

Kanu is being prosecuted on charges of terrorism.

When the case was called, Mohammed Abubakar, prosecution counsel from the office of the attorney-general, said Kanu refused to appear before the court.

“He has declined to come to court,” he said.

I. Awo, counsel to the Department of State Security (DSS), said Kanu woke up and refused to come to court.

“The defendant was intimated about today’s court session,” Awo said.

“I called the office to find out why and they said he woke up this morning and objected that he was not going to come to court.”

Mike Ozekhome, Kanu’s counsel, said the last time he spoke with his client, the IPOB leader expressed enthusiasm to be present in court.

“We are therefore surprised that that the same person has refused to come to court,” he said.

Binta Nyako, presiding judge, said the presence of the accused person was not necessary for the day’s proceedings since the matter was adjourned for parties in the suit to give a report on the status of the case.

After the parties briefed the court on the verdict of the court of appeal and pending appeals at the apex court, the matter was adjourned indefinitely pending the determination of the appeals.

On April 8, the trial court struck out eight of the 15 counts in the charge. The court of appeal later quashed the remaining seven counts on October 13.

Delivering judgment in the appeal, a three-member panel of the appellate court led by Hanatu Sankey held that the federal government flouted the Terrorism Act in violation of international conventions and treaties, hence, breaching the rights of the respondent.

The court further held that having illegally and forcefully renditioned the appellant, the trial court is stripped of jurisdiction to continue to try Kanu.

However, the federal government is yet to release the IPOB leader.

Instead, it filed an appeal before the supreme court to challenge the appeal court judgment.

It also filed an application seeking to stay the execution of the appellate court’s judgment.

Ruling on the application, the court of appeal granted the government’s request.

Kanu has also filed an appeal challenging his incarceration as well as another cross-appeal at the supreme court.

Hot this week

2027: ACF to Regulate Officials’ Communication with Media, Public

By Achadu Gabriel, KadunaThe Northern socio-cultural organization, Arewa Consultative...

“How I Became a Consultant Inside Kaduna Prison” — Journalist Idibia Recounts Ordeal

By Idibia Gabriel, KadunaJournalist Idibia Gabriel has shared a...

APC National Chairman Nentawe Launches 14-Day Free Medical Outreach in Plateau

**By Israel Adamu, Jos**The National Chairman of the All...

Kogi Govt to Enforce Ban on Trailer Parks Over Security Concerns

By Noah Ocheni, LokojaThe Kogi State Government has announced...

Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf Deserves Royal Treatment

**By Kamaluddeen Sani Shawai**When a leader restores hope and...

Arsenal Hand Goalkeeper David Raya Improved Contract

Arsenal have rewarded Spanish goalkeeper David Raya with an...

Countdown to 2027: Tinubu to Appoint New INEC Chairman This Week

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially accepted the exit...

CBN committed to economic stability, clears $7bn FX backlog- Cardoso

By Ogenyi Ogenyi,UyoThe Central Bank of Nigeria,CBN, has...

Benue Not Among Worst Governed States in Nigeria — Gov Alia’s Aide Replies GGRI

By Isaac Kertyo, MakurdiThe Technical Adviser to the Benue...

Nasarawa Governor, Ministers Commend NCDC at Policy Review Retreat in Lafia

By Israel Adamu, JosThe Minister of Regional Development, Engr....

Kogi Assembly Swears In New Lawmaker, Hon. Hassan Shado Musa

By Noah Ocheni, LokojaThe Kogi State House of Assembly...

Gov Ododo Flags Off 2025 Immunization Campaign, Reaffirms Commitment to Polio-Free Kogi

By Noah Ocheni, LokojaThe Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed...

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img