IPOB Leader, Nnamdi Kanu Objects To Fresh Charges, Trial Adjourned

• Ozekhome (SAN) takes over as his legal team leader

BY VICTOR BUORO, ABUJA – The leader of the proscribed Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, on Tuesday objected to the fresh charges filed against him by the Federal Government thereby stalling his trial.

The Federal Government filed fresh terrorism charges against Nnamdi Kanu, who is standing trial before a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja.

As a result, the earlier seven counts bordering on treasonable felony and terrorism against him increased to 15 charges.

But during the continuation of his trial on Tuesday amidst heavy security presence, Kanu objected to the fresh charges. Accordingly, the court will reconvene on Wednesday, January 19, to enable him to take his plea.

Earlier on resumption of the Court, one of the Lead Counsels for the IPOB Leader, Ifeanyi Ejiofor Esq., announced that Human Rights Lawyer, Dr. Mike Ozekhome (SAN), will now lead the legal team for Kanu.

Ozekhome later told journalists shortly after the Court adjourned that; “I have consulted with my client with regards to the 15-count charge. Some of the statements made by him that were not clear, which I pointed out to the court, the prosecution has been able to give me a copy that is more legible.

“With that, we will take the next step. No one is running from a plea being taken. But the point we made today, which the court appreciated, is that you can’t take plea to counts that have not been given to you.

“We were served some minutes to 10:00 am yesterday – a 15-count amended charge for a case coming up today, whereas, the last date of adjournment was 2nd of December.

So, they had well over one month to do that but they didn’t. I believe that was intended to frustrate today’s proceedings.

“In any event, that was the 6th time they are amending the charge. Each time they amend, I file a preliminary objection, they go back to the drawing board to re-amend,” Ozekhome said.