NIGERIA : Nnamdi Kanu’s trial adjourned, at the same time he confronts fresh charges

The trial of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu stalled on Tuesday after he objected to the fresh charges brought against him by the Federal Government.

The initial indictment was drawn up with seven counts of treasonable felony and terrorism, against him, increased to 15. But during his trial which held on Tuesday amidst heavy security presence, Kanu objected to the fresh charges. The court is now expected to reconvene on Wednesday, January 19, for him to take his plea.

Earlier in the day, one of the Lead counsels for the IPOB Leader, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, announced that Human Rights Lawyer, Mike Ozekhome (SAN), will now lead the delegation of lawyers representing Kanu.

Addressing journalists after the proceedings Ozekhome said: “I have consulted with my client with regards to the 15-count charge. Some of the statements made by him that were not clear, which I pointed out to the court, the prosecution has been able to give me a copy that is more legible. With that, we will take the next step. No one is running from a plea being taken. But the point we made today, which the court appreciated, is that you can’t take plea to counts that have not been given to you”.

In the meantime, Two different groups of protesters on Tuesday hit the streets of Abuja over the ongoing trial ,While the anti-Kanu group accused the IPOB leader of treason and called for a speedy trial, the pro-Kanu group demanded that it is within the rights of IPOB to demand independence from the Nigerian State.