The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has objected to the continuation of his trial while in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
Kanu, who has been held by the DSS since 2021 when he was rearrested, argued that he couldn’t adequately prepare for his trial while under the supervision of the secret service.
The IPOB leader requested the court to reinstate his revoked bail from 2019 or to place him under house arrest.
Trial judge Justice Binta Nyako has scheduled May 20 to decide on the matter, following arguments from Kanu’s legal team, led by Alloy Ejimakor, and the federal government’s representation by Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN.
Ejimakor contested the prosecution’s claim, stating that Kanu didn’t violate his bail conditions but fled the country due to alleged military invasion of his father’s house in Abia State.
He argued that the bail revocation was based on misinformation from the federal government.
Kanu’s legal team also demanded his removal from DSS custody for house arrest or, alternatively, imprisonment.
They emphasized the need for unhindered access to Kanu for his defense preparation in the terrorism charges against him.
However, Awomolo, representing the federal government, opposed all of Kanu’s requests.
He contended that defendants in criminal cases don’t have the right to dictate trial proceedings to the court.
Awomolo claimed that Kanu’s escape from the country violated his bail conditions and deemed the request for fresh bail an abuse of court process.
Regarding Kanu’s removal from DSS custody, Awomolo argued that it was the safest environment for him.
He dismissed Kanu’s claim of hindered access to lawyers, stating that Kanu failed to provide evidence of DSS operatives obstructing lawyer visits or eavesdropping during conversations.
Justice Binta Nyako adjourned the matter till May 20 for her decision, following arguments from both parties.
KanyiDaily recalls that the court had mandated an accelerated hearing for Nnamdi Kanu’s case, which revolves around charges of treasonable felony.
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