Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja has warned Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), that she may adjourn his trial indefinitely if he persists in delaying its start.
Earlier in the day, Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, submitted conditions for his client’s engagement in the trial.
Ejimakor’s conditions included reinstating Kanu’s previously granted bail, transferring him from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), and providing him with unrestricted access to his legal team for adequate trial preparation.
However, the prosecutor, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), strongly contested these demands, dismissing them as frivolous, vexatious, annoying, and without merit.
Justice Nyako scheduled a decision on Ejimakor’s demands for May 20, while stressing the need for progress in the case by Wednesday.
“It is either we open this trial today by prosecution calling witnesses, or I adjourn this matter indefinitely till the time you are ready for trial.
“You cannot continue to hold the court to ransom. I hope you know the consequences of adjourning the trial sine die. You have to make a choice and the choice has to be for you.
“I will rise for some minutes for you to think about this and make a choice and that choice has to be made today”, Justice Nyako said shortly before standing down proceedings.
