The case of leader of the Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu was on Tuesday stalled and adjourned after he objected to the fresh charges brought against him by the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Africa Daily News, New York had earlier reported that the Federal Government had filed fresh terrorism charges against the detained leader of the group before the Federal High Court on Monday.
Consequently, the initial seven counts bordering on 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.
Read Also: Kanu’s Detention Means Igbos Are In Captivity – Group
The amended 15-count charge bordering on acts of terrorism was filed on Friday last week at the Federal High Court in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The amended charges was signed by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, MB Abubakar, on behalf of the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Mr Abubakar Malami.
Count One of the charge read, ‘That you Nnamdi Kanu, Male, Adult, of Afatanukwu Ibeku, Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State sometimes in 2021 being a member and leader of Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, a proscribed Organisation, did commit an act in furtherance of an act of Terrorism against the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the People of Nigeria by making a broadcast received and heard in Nigeria within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to intimidate the population and you threatened that people will die, the whole world will stand still and you thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 1(2)(b) of the Terrorism Prevention Amendment Act, 2013.’
‘That you Nnamdi Kanu, Male, Adult, of Afatanukwu Ibeku, Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State on diverse dates between the month of March and April 2015 imported into Nigeria and kept in Ubulisiuzor in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, a Radio Transmitter known as Tram 50L concealed in a container of used household items which you declared as used household items, and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 47(2)(a) of Criminal Code Act, Cap, C45 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004,’ another count read.
Africa Today News, New York recalls that in October last year, the government had filed an amended seven-count against the detained IPOB leader, charges which bordered on treasonable felony and his alleged involvement in acts of terrorism at the same court.
AFRICA DAILY NEWS, NEW YORK
