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…refer my case to Appeal Court, Nnamdi Kanu tells judge
The ongoing trial of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, resumed on Thursday with live coverage across major national television stations, including Channels Television and AIT, drawing widespread public attention.
During the proceedings before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, Kanu challenged the legality of the trial, insisting that the court was acting in violation of a subsisting Supreme Court order.
Kanu, who was allowed to address the court personally, argued that there was no legal basis for continuing the trial, particularly in relation to Count 7 of the terrorism charges filed against him by the Federal Government.
According to him, “there is no law in Nigeria that supports my trial,” adding that the charges contradicted the directives of the apex court.
Count 7 borders on allegations that Kanu issued a “sit-at-home” directive in the South East, accompanied by a threat that anyone who disobeyed the order should “write his or her will.” The prosecution said the threat led to the shutdown of banks, schools, markets, and other businesses in the region, amounting to an act of terrorism.
Kanu dismissed the count as baseless, reiterating that he could not be tried on charges he described as unconstitutional and unsupported by Nigerian law.
The court session, monitored by millions through the live broadcast, witnessed heightened security presence within and around the court premises.
Justice Omotosho adjourned the matter after hearing arguments, with further proceedings expected to determine whether the trial will continue in light of Kanu’s objections.
The trial of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, is being shown live on major television networks, including Channels Television and AIT.
Read also: Nnamdi Kanu sacks legal team, opts to defend himself in court
In the trial, Kanu addresses the court presided over by Justice James Omotosho, accusing the court of trying him against the order of the Supreme Court.
He argued that there is no law in Nigeria that supports his trial, especially on Count 7.
Count 7 relates to an act of terrorism involving a threat that anyone who flouted his “sit-at-home” order should “write his/her will,” which resulted in the closure of banks, schools, markets, and other businesses.
