Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja has cautioned Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), that she will adjourn his trial indefinitely if he continues to delay its commencement.
Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, had presented conditions for his client’s participation in the trial earlier in the day.
Among the conditions outlined by Ejimakor were the restoration of Kanu’s earlier granted bail, his relocation from the Department of State Services (DSS) custody, and unrestricted access to his legal counsel to adequately prepare for the trial.
However, the prosecuting lawyer, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), vehemently opposed these requests, labelling them as frivolous, vexatious, irritating, and lacking merit.
Justice Nyako fixed the ruling on Ejimakor’s requests for May 20 but emphasized that progress must be made in the case on 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.
