Court Grants Sowore, Kanu’s Lawyer, 11 Others Bail
The trial of detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, was again stalled on Friday after he told the Federal High Court in Abuja that his former legal team had yet to release his case file to him.
Justice James Omotosho, presiding over the case, gave Kanu till Monday, October 27, to open his defence in the terrorism charges filed against him by the Federal Government.
When the matter was called, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) appeared for the Federal Government, noting that the day’s business was for Kanu to begin his defence as earlier ordered. However, no lawyer appeared for Kanu.
Kanu, who represented himself in court, told the judge he had dismissed his former legal team, led by ex-Attorney General of the Federation, Kanu Agabi (SAN), on October 23, and had not yet received the case file to prepare his defence.
He requested an adjournment to enable him obtain and study the file, and also sought permission to call 23 witnesses, including foreign ones. He urged the court to direct the Department of State Services (DSS) to allow access to those witnesses and to grant his lawyers visitation rights even on non-working days — a request the court granted.
Awomolo, representing the prosecution, described Kanu’s complaint as “strange,” noting that he had spent hours in court with his former lawyers. He reminded the court that Kanu had been allotted six days to open and close his defence.
Justice Omotosho, while expressing doubt over Kanu’s claims, nevertheless granted the adjournment, warning against further delays that had already affected other cases. The matter was adjourned to Monday, October 27 for the defence to open.
Sowore, Kanu’s Brother, Lawyer, 10 Others Granted Bail
In a related development, a Magistrate’s Court in Kuje, Abuja, on Friday granted bail to activist and publisher Omoyele Sowore, IPOB leader’s lawyer Aloy Ejimakor, his brother Prince Emmanuel Kanu, and 10 others in the sum of ₦500,000 each, with two sureties in like sum.
They were arrested in connection with the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest held in Abuja on October 20, and charged with inciting public disturbance and breach of peace.
According to the First Information Report (FIR) filed by the police, the defendants allegedly violated a court order, chanted war songs, and obstructed traffic during the protest demanding Kanu’s release. The offences are punishable under Sections 152, 114, and 113 of the Penal Code Law.
Sowore, who was arrested on October 23 at the Federal High Court premises after attending Kanu’s trial, was among the organisers of the protest that took place across Abuja and other cities.
