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Tuesday 20 February 2018

IPOB: MAZI NNAMDI KANU AND CO-DEFENDANTS COURT CASE ADJOURNED

IPOB: MAZI NNAMDI KANU AND CO-DEFENDANTS COURT CASE ADJOURNED

The protracted treasonable felony charges and court proceedings involving the abducted and supreme leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) worldwide, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu with his over two years incarcerated co-defendants, namely: Mazi Benjamin Mmaduagwu, Mazi David Nwawuisi and the newly joined co-defendant - Mazi Chidiebere Onwudiwe came up today being Tuesday 20th February 2018 for further hearing and adjudication. Arriving at the Federal High Court Room 2 by the presiding judge, Justice (Mrs) Binta Nyako, the introduction of the case by both prosecuting and defending counsels ensued and consented to, at exactly 10:21am.

It is important to report here that besides the presence of co-defendants in the persons of Mazi Benjamin Mmaduagwu, Mazi David Nwawuisi and Mazi Chidiebere Onwudiwe, the Nigerian Army abducted leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) worldwide, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu was nowhere to be found nor the Chief of Army Staff - General Tukur Buratai made any presentation.

Labaran Shaibu, the prosecuting counsel,  made an introduction of a motion for amended charge for the invocation of the court for forfeiture of bail bonds by the defendants. He therefore prayed the court to split the first defendant (Nnamdi Kanu) out so as to facilitate the trial of the second accused (other defendants). He further informed the court that the counsel representing Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, one of Nnamdi Kanu's bailants, handed in a notice requesting for adjournment. Labaran Shaibu opined that the first defendant being Mazi Nnamdi Kanu who was earlier granted bail, was nowhere to be found, thereby giving some strings to the trial.

Responding, the leading counsel to the defendants, the erudite legal luminary - Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor emphatically stated that the whereabouts of his client, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is yet unknown since the murderous invasion of his residence at Afaraukwu-Ibeku, Umuahia, Abia State by a detachment of the Nigerian Army on the 14th of September, 2017. He drew the attention of the court to the fact that the Nigerian Judiciary will remain ridiculed before the full glare of the International community unless his client is provided by the Chief of Army Staff and his men. He very intelligently and pointedly gave a narrative before the court, on the bizarre nature a motion for adjournment was served him which elucidated some surprises, knowing fully, the weighty issues involved most especially when his clients have been subjected to seemingly endemic prison incarceration for over two years running. The Chief Judge reminiscent of the unfolding ridicule of the Judiciary, asked Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor when his client, Nnamdi Kanu would be brought to court and in his brilliance, the legal counsel responded that the Nigerian Government and it's Army were better positioned to respond to that stressing that since his client's residence was invaded, he has neither been seen nor heard of.
After series of motions and counter motions by both counsels, Justice Binta Nyako, upheld the motion for an adjournment as advanced by the prosecuting counsel, Mr. Labaran Shaibu.

Barrister Tochukwu Uchenna, informed the court that his client was never served notice regarding the day's sitting, which the presiding judge responded that proper notice would duly be served in future appearances.

In what presented itself as an awful and sorrowful narration, the counsel to Mazi Bright Chimezie promptly raised a motion of awareness to the court praying that the Department of Security Services (DSS) which has held his client in underground custody since 2015, be compelled to appear before the honorable court to state reasons why his client, Mazi Bright Chimezie will not be granted bail unconditionally, even after a court of competent jurisdiction has ruled to that effect. Responding, Justice Binta Nyako ruled that she cannot adjudicate on a case she has not presided over.

However, a very painful scenario unfolded when one of the co-defendants, Mazi Benjamin Mmaduagwu whose health has greatly deteriorated, could not strongly stand up by himself unaided. Infact he was provided a seat by the court clerk in response to the order of the Chief Judge as he tried to record his responsorial vocal presence in the court.  Deeply aggrieved by this situation, the leading defense counsel, Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor prayed that his client be granted his bail as duly applied for, to enable him unhindered and immediate medical attention. But Justice Binta Nyako responded angrily to this, stating that she will not succumb to this but rather, that the ailing Benjamin can only be entitled to his right to an Appeal. This did not go down well with the defense counsel who questioned the possibility of such an option even in a case that has not been ruled. The seemingly defiant Justice Binta Nyako stated that she has the prerogative of powers to rule over her stand whether or not any of the defendants was granted bail.

Further hearing on the case was however, adjourned to 20th, 21st and 22nd of March, 2018.

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