From Elohor Igbru, Abuja
Is freedom coming for Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, (IPOB)? This possibility became real as a Federal High Court in Abuja struck out eight out of 15 charges brought against him by the Federal Government.
Justice Binta Nyako who delivered a ruling on the validity of the charge held that Counts 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 14 have not disclosed any offence by the defendant, while Counts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 13 and 15 shows some allegations.
She also noted that rendition for criminal investigation is allowed, as in the instant case, there is a bench warrant on the defendant, which suffices to say, he is a fugitive before the court.
The court also held that on the issue of prescription of IPOB, the case is still on appeal, the order proscribing the organization is still subsisting until it is vacated by the appellate court.
Journalists were also barred from live coverage of the trial by officials of the Department of State Services (DSS).
The action of the service followed a new directive issued by the court’s Chief Judge, John Tsoho, dated April 5, 2022, which prohibits media coverage of the proceedings in the trial of suspected terrorists.
