Nnamdi Kanu's Court Case With The Nigerian Government, Adjourned
The Nigerian Federal High Court located in Abuja, has adjourned the case of Mazi, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to Wednesday 10th of November, 2021. Thursday 21st October, the scheduled date for the resumption of his case, began as usual with heavy vehicular/human traffic within Abuja. Amongst them are Kanu's teeming supporters, lawyers, Nigeria security agents and news reporters, thronging to the court premises.
Before his appearance, security agents had densely barricaded the court entrance to citizens, four lawyers only were allowed into the court room for his defense. The former governor of Anambra State, was equally seen at the premises decrying his prevention from accessing the court room as well as that of a famous activist and owner of Sahara reporters, Sowore, who was later mobbed in the presence of operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS). Though he later returned to show his solidarity to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
The Presiding Judge, Binta Nyako, objected to the request made by Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor, Kanu's lead counsel, to transfer his client to the Correctional Center in Kuje, insisting that he, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, remains in DSS custody for now. Barrister Ejiofor at the close of proceedings, addressed the pressmen. He, in the company of Bruce Fein, IPOB's legal counsel in the United States of America and others, appreciated all supporters and well wishers. He however, condemned the issue of unabated harassment of lawyers and journalists by security agents.
Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor stated that the judge has granted permission for more visits by relevant persons to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu on a more frequent basis and equally commented on the newly amended seven count charges preferred against the IPOB leader. The lead counsel said that the charges have no basis in law or the constitution and therefore, amounted to a wild goose chase. He assured supporters of victory soon on the case.
Some journalists and lawyers who were prevented from entering the court room by security agents, were seen outside, protesting their exclusion. Obviously, Ejiofor further addressed the pressmen based on professional ethics on reasons why the journalists were barred. At the end of proceedings, IPOB teeming members and supporters who traveled to support their leader in Abuja, Nigeria's capital city, were seen dancing and singing in mini rallies. They were addressed by comrade Sowore who assured them of standing together with them in solidarity against tyranny and excesses of the government.
The Nigerian government seems to have towed the part of due process occasioned by numerous threats of havoc if Nnamdi Kanu was not brought to court. This sadly seemed to have reinforced the belief of some, that peaceful advocacy is blatantly being ignored by the government or treated with kid gloves, while it respects violent threats and those who can match its impuniy more in rhetoric, action or inaction.
Onyemachi Gabriel
Reporting for Family Writers Press International
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