IPOB: Kanu Protests In Court; Lawyers Anger Judge; Kanu Insists He Shall Be Free

By Ayodele Oni

Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, (IPOB),  Nnamdi Kanu on Wednesday protested against the refusal by security agents to allow his United States Lawyer  witness his case.

His Lawyers, including his Special Counsel, Alloy Ejimakor and lead Counsel, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, angered the Judge, Her Lordship, Binta Nyako, by walking out of the Court, even before she entered the Court.

They too were protesting the refusal of security agents to allow some of their colleagues into the Court.

But Kanu expressed optimism that he would regain his freedom soon insisting he committed no offence to warrant his rearrest by the Nigerian Government.

His stand was disclosed by Ejiofor, in a statement he issued.

Ejiofor disclosed that the legal team was working seriously to ensure Kanu’s release.

The statement reads partly:

“Onyendu is very much strong in his conviction and has remained unshaken, believing most strongly that he will regain his freedom soon because he has not committed any offence known to law.

“Our Client – Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, is not oblivious of the antics of his detractors, who are desperately working day and night to enthrone confusion and destroy all he has laboured for years to build.

“To that end, he advised his followers to remain more vigilant now than ever. He emphasized that this is indeed perilous times.”

The statement also quoted Kanu as expressing gratitude to his followers for standing by him.

Kanu, who was rearrested in Kenya earlier this year, would continue his trial at the Abuja Federal High Court.

Meanwhile, Justice Nyako adjourned the case  till January 19, 2022.

Confusion ensued as Kanu’s team of lawyers staged a walk-out over the refusal of security operatives to allow some of them to gain access into the courtroom.

Kanu, who was brought into the courtroom around 9.52am, had shortly after his case was called up, bemoaned the refusal of security agents to allow some members of his legal team, especially his lawyer from the United State of America, Bruce Fein, to enter the courtroom.

He told Justice Nyako that Fein, who was handling a case for him in the US, was around to witness his trial.

“I have an ongoing case in the US. I have not been allowed to see him. He is here to see me and to observe the proceedings.

“He has been to the DSS to see me, but they denied him access to me,” Kanu stated from the dock.

When asked by the Judge, if he was ready to conduct the proceedings himself, in the absence of his lawyers, Kanu said no. Nyako expressed her displeasure over the attitude of Kanu’s Lawyers.