From Kayode Lawal, Abuja.
The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu in a dilemma at the Federal High Court in Abuja as Justice Binta Nyako informed him to allow commencement of trial today or have it adjourned sine die (indefinitely).
The Judge issued the order to either allow trial to begin or shift it indefinitely following persistent claims by Kanu’s lead lawyer that his client has not been prepared for any trial.
Kanu had listed various conditions for the federal government to be met before his prosecution on treasonable felony can be kick-started.
Among them are that he must be moved out of DSS custody and be placed in house arrest, restoration of his revoked bail and unhindered access to his lawyers, family members and medical personnel.
Although Justice Nyako fixed May 20 for rulings in the fresh two applications argued by Kanu, the defendant however objected vehemently to opening of the trial.
Justice Nyako ordered that progress be made by opening the trial today but Kanu refused bluntly that trial cannot take place.
” It is either we open this trial today by calling witnesses or I adjourn this matter indefinitely till the time you are ready for trial. You cannot continue to hold the Court into ransom.
” I hope you know the consequences of adjourning the trial sine die. You have to make a choice and the choice has to be for you.
” I will rise for some minutes for you to think on this and make a choice and that choice has to be made today”, the Justice Binta Nyako said.
In the drama that followed, Justice Nyako stood down proceedings for Kanu to make a choice between opening the trial today or have it adjourned indefinitely.
At the time of this report, Kanu is having a conference meeting with his lawyers and well wishers in the court.
Justice Nyako has retired to the Court chamber to enable Kanu have time to make his choice.
Details later.
