JUST IN: Federal High Court Adjourns Nnamdi Kanu’s Trial as New Prosecutor Takes Charge

The trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has been adjourned by the Federal High Court in Abuja until March 19. The presiding judge, Binta Nyako, set the new date for the commencement of the trial, marking a significant shift as external prosecutor Adegboyega Awolowo takes the lead in the federal government’s prosecution team.

This move follows the Supreme Court’s ruling on December 15, 2023, which reinstated Mr. Kanu’s trial, overturning the Court of Appeal’s decision that initially freed him.

At Monday’s proceedings, prosecuting lawyer Adegboyega Awolowo announced the intention to call at least two witnesses on the adjourned date. This development signals a notable reshuffling in the government’s prosecution team, with Mr. Awolowo making his first appearance since the case’s inception in 2015.

In a parallel legal development, Mr. Kanu’s defense lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, argued a fresh bail application for his client. Citing constitutional provisions granting defendants adequate time and resources for defense preparation, Mr. Ejimakor raised concerns about State Security Service (SSS) operatives allegedly eavesdropping on confidential conversations between Mr. Kanu and his legal team.

Furthermore, Mr. Ejimakor highlighted issues hindering Mr. Kanu’s effective defense preparation, including the IPOB leader’s deteriorating health. Urging the judge to grant bail, he emphasized the need for a fair legal process.

However, the prosecuting lawyer, Mr. Awolowo, opposed Mr. Ejimakor’s arguments, labeling the requests as “irritating” and lacking legal basis. He called on the judge to dismiss Mr. Kanu’s bail application and the preliminary objection to the trial’s commencement.

More to follow……..