Judge indisposed as court adjourns Kanu’s trial

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has adjourned the case of the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, from Thursday, May 26 to June 28, 2022.

This was disclosed via a statement issued by IPOB’s lead counsel, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, on Wednesday.

Ejiofor said the case was adjourned by the court because the presiding judge, Justice Binta Nyako, is indisposed.

The statement read: “Please be informed that we have just received communication from the Federal High Court’s Registrar, notifying us that the Court will no longer be sitting tomorrow, 26th May, 2022, on Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s case.

“According to the Registrar, this is because His lordship, Justice Binta Nyako is indisposed, and as such, the matter is now adjourned to the 28th day of June, 2022 for Ruling/Hearing.

“We most respectfully, urge you all to maintain restraint, as you have always done. Keep your eyes on the ball, which is the freedom of Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

“Also, please note that Justice delayed is not justice denied. We are aggressively cruising to victory, it is only a matter of time.

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“We profoundly appreciate your solidarity, unflinching support and prayers, which have been sustaining us thus far. Please do not relent in your prayers, we do not take it for granted,” Ejiofor stated.

The court had on May 18 dismissed the bail application filed by Nnamdi Kanu.

Justice Binta Nyako, in a ruling, held that since Kanu was earlier granted bail in 2017 and jumped the bail, the court must first determine the real reason he jumped the bail before he reapply for another one.

The court had earlier on April 8 exonerated the Federal Government on the allegation that the IPOB leader was forcefully abducted abroad to stand his trial.

Nyako, in a ruling, held that rendition for the purpose of criminal investigation is allowed.

The presiding judge said since Kanu was on bench warrant, the law allowed that anywhere he is sighted, he can be arrested and be brought to face his trial.

The judge, who dismissed Kanu’s move to challenge the terrorism charge, upheld seven counts in the fresh charge filed by the Federal Government against the IPOB leader.

Nyako further said the Federal Government, through the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), had been able to established some allegations against Kanu in counts one, two, three, four, five, eight, and 15.

“Counts one, two, three, four, five, eight, and 15 show some allegations. The court shall proceed to try the defendant (Kanu) on those counts,” she had ruled.

The Star