Detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, caused an uproar at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday when he refused to submit himself for trial in the terrorism charges against him.
The development eventually forced Justice Binta Fatimat Nyako to adjourn the trial to June 19, in order to calm the situation.
Shouting on top of his voice, Kanu vowed he would not submit himself to trial, claiming that the Nigerian government has no powers under the Constitution and international laws to file criminal charges against him.
Shortly after the judge declined his request for restoration of his revoked bail, and removal from DSS custody, Kanu got up from the dock and contested the attempt by the Federal Government lawyer, Adegboyega Awomolo, to open the trial.
Immediately Awomolo announced that his witnesses were in court and ready to open trial, Kanu stood up and took over arguments from his lawyers led by Aloy Ejiamakor.
He told the court to forget any trial, adding that he would not allow himself to be prosecuted unjustly and illegally.
He cited several authorities from a document in his possession in the dock to support his objections to the trial.
When the government lawyer interjected that a defendant was not permitted to talk the way Kanu was doing, the Biafra agitator became more angry and descended heavily on the senior lawyer, calling him a terrorist in the open court.
Attempts by Justice Nyako to calm him down were rebuffed as he repeatedly shouted on the government lawyer, calling him “a terrorist and a dishonest man”.
“As current Chairman of Body of Benchers, you are supposed to know the Constitution and uphold it,” Kanu said, referring to Awomolo.
Apparently unhappy with Kanu’s outburst, Awomolo told Justice Nyako that such habit is expected.
“He is only acting on emotions. I am not offended, I am not provoked,” the senior lawyer submitted.
In a bid to save the situation, the court agreed to a request by Kanu’s lawyer for an adjournment to enable the legal team consult with him in a clean room where there should be no eavesdropping.
Justice Nyako subsequently fixed June 19 and 21 for commencement of trial.
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