The trial of one of the leaders of a pro-Biafran movement accused of treason has failed to begin due to a motion filed by the defence. Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), is standing trial on six counts of treasonable felony charges along with Benjamin Madubgwu and James Nwawuisi.
Pro-Biafrans stage silent protest in Whitechapel hoping to engage President Buhari
World Refugee Day 2016: Iceland and Sweden deny asylum to Nigerian Boko Haram victim
Turkish artillery and coalition air strikes pound Isis positions, killing 23 militants
The three defendants have been represented by lead counsel Chuks Muoma. However, during a hearing at the Federal High Court of Abuja on Monday 20 June, Muoma claimed a new lawyer had been introduced to represent Madubgwu without his knowledge.
Muoma described the unexpected change as an affront to him, declaring “my appearance in this case will be conditional”, the Daily Post website reported. He also told the court to adjourn the trial to allow the new lawyer, Amobi Nzelo, to study the documents relating to the ongoing trial.
Judge James Tsoho adjourned the trial to 26 September. This is not the first time that Kanu and his co-defendants’ trial has been adjourned, amid widespread criticism among Kanu’s supporters.
Reports claimed that Kanu, also director of UK-based Radio Biafra, arrived in court on 20 June wearing a bracelet with the inscription ‘I love Biafra’. The leader was arrested in Lagos in October 2015 on conspiracy and terrorism charges, which were later dropped.
His wife, Uchechi Okwu-Kanu, told IBTimes UK she was concerned following allegations her husband had been harassed in his cell. She also claimed her husband was a prisoner of conscience and urged the international community to intervene to free him.
The post Nnamdi Kanu: Trial adjourned as Ipob leader wears ‘I …Read More
Source:: Nigerian Pilot
