By Chioma Iruke
The trial of secessionist agitator and self acclaimed leader of the indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, at a Federal High Court in Abuja, been adjourned till October 21, 2021.
The trial which resumed without Kanu physically in court to face charges preferred against him by the federal government, was called around 11.10am, after counsel representing parties in the matter, and lead counsel to the prosecution, Mr M. B. Abubakar, informed the court that the case is for hearing, although defendant has not yet been produced by the Department of State Service (DSS), holding in custody.
He however requested the mind of the Court to proceed without a fiat, taking into consideration that the court has commenced vacation and Justice Binta Nyako was not one of the vacation judges.
Reacting, Kanu’s lawyer, Mr ifeanyi Ejiofor, informed the court of an application he filed seeking the transfer of Kanu from DSS custody to correctional center.
Responding, trial judge Justice Binta Nyako, held that trial of Kanu cannot proceed in the absence of Kanu, having been arrested and brought into the country.
The judge insisted that Kanu must physically be brought to court since he is now available to face his trial.
The court urged the prosecution to ensure that Kanu be brought to court to witness his trial, as the matter was then adjourned until October 21, 2021.