Nnamdi Kanu’s absence forces three-month delay

27 Jul Nnamdi Kanu’s absence forces three-month delay

The Federal Government, yesterday, failed to produce Nnamdi Kanu for trial at the Federal High Court, Abuja, causing the judge to adjourn for three months.

At the mention of the case around 11, that lead prosecuting lawyer, Mohamed Abubakar, noted that Kanu was not yet in court.

Abubakar said the prosecution was ready for trial and had three witnesses in court. He was optimistic that the defendant would be produced in court by the DSS, noting that the delay in his arrival could be as a result of logistic challenges.

The prosecuting lawyer noted that even if the defendant was present, he was not sure the court could proceed with the case, in view of the court’s vacation, which began yesterday.

He added that the judge also did not have the necessary fiat from the court’s Chief Judge for the case to be heard during vacation.

Lead defence lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, expressed dismay that his client was not in court.

Ejiofor, who complained about not being informed of the June 29 proceedings in the case and the hearing scheduled for July 26, said his team had been denied access to his client.

“We have been denied access to the defendant for the past eight days. I was informed yesterday that my client had been taken out of where he was being detained,” he said.

Ejiofor said he filed an application for the transfer of his client from the custody of the DSS to prison, but the prosecution served him its response late.

The defence lawyer also complained that some lawyers in his team were denied access into the courtroom by security operatives deployed in the court.

Ruling, Justice Binta Nyako ordered the prosecution to allow the defence lawyers access to the defendant on agreed terms.

Justice Nyako noted that the prosecution was tardy with its handling of the case, because it ought to have applied for the necessary fiat when it became obvious that the court’s vacation would commence yesterday.

On Ejiofor’s application, Justice Nyako said she was not ready to vary her order for Kanu’s detention in DSS’ custody.

“I am not transferring him to prison. I will not grant your application. I have told you that I have kept him where I want him to be kept.

“I will make an order to allow you access to him. But, it will be regimented. Your access will be controlled. I will give you time to see him. If you miss that opportunity that is for you,” the judge said.

She ordered the prosecution to ensure the production of the defendant on the next adjourned date, and subsequently adjourned till October 21.

A former governor of Anambra State, Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife, attended yesterday’s proceedings. Ohanaeze Ndigbo was also represented by a lawyer, Chief A.G. Nwazurike, who said he was holding a watching brief for the group.

Another lawyer, N C.Dim Udegwuanyi also said he was in court to represent the interest of Otu Oki iwu (all the Igbo lawyers in Abuja).

Access to the court premises was difficult on Monday as security operatives deployed in the court subjected both lawyers and other visitors to strict scrutiny.