The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu proposed trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja has been shifted due to the amended terrorism charges.
The new lead of the defence counsel, Mike Ozekhome (SAN), requested time to enable him to study the amended 15-count charge filed by the prosecution on January 17.
He argued that the defence was ambushed with the fresh charge.
Ozekhome claimed that the proof of evidence served by the prosecution was not legible enough to enable them to know what constitutes the fresh charge.
“My Lord, as I am talking now, the defendant does not know the charge yet. He is just interacting with me.
“He cannot be made to take his plea in relation to a charge he has not seen.
“The principle of fair hearing is just being violated by the Federal Government.
“The frail-looking defendant standing in the dock there has not been allowed to access his family as directed by this Honourable Court.
“I went to DSS to see him and I was almost stripped naked before I could see him.
“We pray that the arraignment is adjourned till tomorrow (today) to enable his lawyers to study the new charge along with him in the interest of justice,” Ozekhome said.
Lead prosecuting lawyer, Magaji Labaran, faulted the defence’s claim that the amended charge was an ambush.
However, he, did not object to the defence’s request for an adjournment.
Justice Binta Nyako adjourned till January 19 for arraignment on the amended charge.
