DEVELOPING STRORY:
Today`s slated trial of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the embattled leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) failed to go on as planned. Reason is because the government’s elite security outfit, the Department of State Security Services (DSS) who has Nnadi Kanu in their custody failed to produce him in court.
Reason for their failure to bring the accused for his trial was not clearly specified. They however classified the reason for their failure as “logistical problems”. This failure still happened even though the DSS had since the 27th of June to prepare for today`s trial.
Palydom also notes that today`s trial date was at the behest of the federal government of Nigeria. A new trial date has now been fixed for the 21st of October, 2021, after the long court vacation period, which is a usual practice in the Nigerian judicial system.
While government lawyer said he was ready to go on with the trial, as he reported having three witnesses in court, the government prosecutor argued against continuation of trial during court vacation. Both are employees of the Nigerian government.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
Mazi Nnamdi Kalu is the leader of a separatist movement in Nigeria called the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). He was reportedly abducted in Kenya by agents of the Kenya government under a joint operation with the Nigeria government.
The Kenyan government have since denied knowledge of the operation that led to Nnamdu Kanu`s abduction from the country. The claim that they only got wind of the development long after he has already been taken outside the Kenyan border.
About this same time, Nnamdi Kanu`s lawyer, Barr. Ifeanyi Ejiofor was almost murdered in his country home in Orifite, Anambra State by criminals who were reported to be agents of the Nigerian government. This matter was not publicly known to have been denied publicly or investigated by the Nigerian government.
However, up till date it is still unknown what actions or diplomatic steps the Kenyan government have taken to register their displeasure to the Nigerian government.
Nigeria went to a 30 months’ war with the then Biafra, which was the then Eastern region of Nigeria. The regional government was governed by the late Odumegwu Ojukwu. Biafra lost the war to the Nigerian side and also reportedly lost more than a million lives, most of which were lost to hunger than were lost to the enemy`s fire power.
BASIC FACTS
- Nigerian security officers today tried stopping some journalist from monitoring the court trial of Nnamdi Kanu.
- The matter came up around 11:09am at the Federal High Court in Abuja
- At today`s trial irrespective of the absence of Nnamdi Kanu who is the accused, the government lawyer M. B. Abubakar wanted the court to continue the trial.
- The government prosecutor however, rejected the continuation of the trial hinging his argument on the fact that the courts are already on vacation.
- Nnamdi Kanu`s lawyer, Barr Ifeanyi Ejiofor brought to the attention of the court that he has been unable to see his client for over 10 days. He also alleged the possibility that Nnamdi Kanu has been moved out of Abuja.
- Barr Ifeanyi Ejiofor also applied to the court for the transfer of Nnanmdi Kanu from the custody of the DSS to the Kuje correctional facility (Kuje prison) due to maltreatment and abuse. This application was rejected by the court.
- The court however ordered that Barr Ejiofor be allowed access to Nnamdi Kanu and that he must be produced in court at the next trial date, 21st October 2012.
- The trial judge of the Federal High Court Abuja was Justice Binta Nyako.
NOTABLE QUOTES
“I am also worried why the Defendant is not here. The first step in a criminals matter is to provide the Defendant in court. He is not here.” … JUSTICE BINTA NYAKO
“AN ORDER of this Honourable Court directing the Defendant/Applicant’s custodian, to grant access to his Medical Experts/Doctors for the purpose of carrying out a comprehensive independent medical examination of the Defendant/Applicant’s health condition/status, while in custody.” … JUSTICE BINTA NYAKO
WHAT WE ARE WATCHING
We are watching this case very closely considering the importance of the matter to many Nigerians, the world and our readers. The controversy that follows the matter deserves a closer look for the sake of our readers.
We are monitoring it closely because of the fact that Nigerian government fixed the trial on this date and yet were unable to produce Nnamdi Kanu. In one breath, the government lawyer pressed the court for continuation of trial today.
In another breath the government prosecutor objected to the trial unless CJ`s fiat is received, on the ground that the courts were already on vacation. This seems to an onlooker as a calculated plan to keep Nnadi Kanu longer in detention without trial.
So, we will continue to monitor this matter to help our readers resolve the puzzle. We are monitoring the developments and shall keep our readers posted.
FOLLOW THE NEWS
This news is still developing and we are monitoring it for you. In the days and weeks to come, we shall continue to monitor the situation and we will continue to update our readers with the latest developments. Please let us know what part of this news that is of interest to you. Let us know what you wish to know as things develop. Also, avail us with any information that is available to you that may help us better inform our readers. You can signup to The Intel newsletter to receive expert analysis on this news and things that matter to you.
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