Kanu rallies supporters, says ‘court trial will end in victory’

Detained leader of the pro-secession group in the South East region, Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has rallies his supporters after the Appeal Court in Abuja, adjourned indefinitely proceeding in the suit filed challenging the seven counts of treason and terrorism against him by the Nigerian government.

Kanu, who is presently in the court-ordered custody of the Department of State Security (DSS) in Abuja, is standing trial before the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, presided over by Justice Binta Nyako, on amended seven-count charge bordering on terrorism, treason and arms possession, among others.

However, his legal team filed an application before the Court of Appeal challenging the remaining seven charges preferred against him by the Nigerian government, through the Attorney General of the Federal (AGF), Mr Abubakar Malami SAN.

Rising from a hearing which was brought forward from its original date of October 11 to Tuesday, September 13, the Appeal Court heard the application filed by Kanu, through his lawyers.

At the hearing Tuesday, in the suit marked; “Our Appeal No: CA/ABJ/CR/ 625/2022, the Nigerian government had already dropped one out of the seven charges leaving Kanu facing six charges.

The session at the Court of Appeal commenced at about 10am with Kanu’s legal team headed by Human Rights lawyer, Mike Ozekhome (SAN), praying the court to strike out all the remaining seven charges citing lack of credibility.

The court rose to adjourn after hearing the appeal by Ozekhome.

Reacting after the adjournment, Thursday, Kanu assured his supporters that his court trials will soon end.

In a statement released by the IPOB leader’s lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, Esq, on Thursday, Kanu said he was very optimistic that the Appeal Court would rule in his favour.

Ejiofor said: “The Court-ordered routine visit to our indefatigable Client – Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has; just been concluded at the DSS Headquarters Abuja, where Onyendu is still being; held in solitary confinement for over 14 months.

“Feedback was provided to Onyendu on the Court of Appeal Proceeding/hearing on his Appeal of 13th September 2022. Onyendu was elated by the maverick performance and legal prowess demonstrated; by his unwearied legal team, eminently led by Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN.

Justice

“Onyendu was enthused by the accounts of the erudite advocacy/submissions of the foremost legal Silk – Chief Ozekhome, SAN during the all-important proceeding. Mastery of knowledge of Law and extraordinary appreciation of practice/procedure, also demonstrated during the proceedings by the entire Panel of Justices, was equally applauded by Onyendu, who was completely convinced that justice is already in the offing.

“Onyendu was; deeply touched by the sacrifices of UmuChineke, who despite the heavy downpour witnessed in Abuja on that fateful day, still thronged the Court, in a show of uncommon solidarity and support for him. Words are not enough for him to; express his gratitude to you all, UmuChineke.

Confidence

“Onyendu unequivocally reiterated his abiding confidence in his dogged legal team, who have always been up to the daunting task.

“He also urged you all, Umuchineke to remain consistent, resolute, unshaken, focused, and above all prayerful, as there must be light at the end of the tunnel. He is very optimistic that this phase is gradually coming to an end.

“Onyendu remains firm, tenacious, and holding very strongly to his conviction that it will surely end in Victory.”