7 interesting things that happened in Kanu’s case on Tuesday

Kanu’s absence from court

The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu was absent from court despite being expected to appear. Only the three other defendants: Chidiebere Onwudiwe, Benjamin Madubugwu and David Nwawuisi standing trial on five count-charges of treasonable felony, unlawful possession of firearms, and criminal defamation, appeared in court. His lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor said he has not been seen after the army raided his house in Umuahia and killed 28 persons in September.

 Senator Abaribe sought to be discharged as a surety

Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, who stood surety for the leader of IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, through his counsel, Obiechie Ogbonna sought to withdraw as surety. But Justice Binta Nyako directed him to either produce Kanu and withdraw, forfeit the bail bond or N100m alongside the three other sureties: Jewish High Priest, Immanuu-El Shalom and Abuja based chartered accountant, Tochukwu Uchendu, or request for time to produce him.

Two defence lawyers requested for bail of their clients on health grounds

Defence lawyers, Maxwel Opara and Inalegwu Adoga both sought special medical treatment for their clients. Opara claimed that the life of his client, David Nwauisi is in danger due to threats by medical personnel in the prison and would want his personal physician to treat him. Adoga said prison lacks the facility to treat his client, Benjamin Madubugwu and would want him transferred to a hospital outside the prison. Justice Binta Nyako directed him to produce a medical report from the prison. The judge also ordered the prison authorities to allow the defendants should be granted access to their doctors and lawyers. Also, Opara wanted the court to separate his client’s trial from the rest, while Adoga’s applications for bail of his client and to transfer the case to Owerri were not taken by the court.

 Kanu’s lawyer wants the army to produce him

Kanu’s lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor called the attention of the court to the suit he filed on September 27 asking the court to command the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai to produce Kanu in court. He said the matter has now been fixed for November 23 before the court. 

But Justice Nyako said the suit is not before her and warned him not to distract her or she will recuse herself from the case.

Counsel to Chimezie asks court to decide his client’s fate

Counsel to Bright Chimezie, the latest person sought to be admitted as a defendant in an amended charge by the court, Chukwudi Igwe asked the court to order that his client be made a party in the case, adding that the DSS is still keeping him despite the order of a Federal High Court in Uyo for his release and compensation of N5m. Outside the court, Chimezie’s wife said her four children have not seen their father for two years.

Altercation as defendants sought to address the press

There was some altercation after the three defendants, who wanted to address the press at the end of proceedings were initially prevented by the security officials. When they were eventually allowed, they said they want a referendum to be conducted on Biafra.