By Muhammed Abubakar, Reporting
Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Friday, struck out eight of the 15-count-charge brought by the Nigerian government against Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) who is on trial for alleged treasonable felony.
In her ruling on the validity of the lawsuit, arising from the preliminary objection of the defendant, Justice Nyako held that the counts that were struck out did not disclose any offence, thus, the trial of the defendant shall proceed on the remaining seven counts.
Justice Nyako, while ruling on the defendant’s application challenging his mode of extradition from Kenya, noted that rendition for the purpose of criminal investigation is allowed.
She noted that in the instant case, there is a bench warrant on the defendant, as he is a fugitive before the court.
The court also held that the issue of proscription of IPOB is still on appeal and still subsisting until it is vacated.
Stonix News reports that the trial resumed Friday amid stiff media restrictions against the backdrop of a new Federal High Court practice directives with respect to coverage of terrorism cases.
In a statement released on Thursday, one of the directives borders on the change of venue of the trial from the Federal High Court to a more spacious Code of Conduct Tribunal still in Abuja.
The new directive is already attracting speculations that the IPOB leader might ultimately be subjected to a secret trial.
What's your reaction?
