874
…arraignment adjourned till Wednesday
Federal High Court on Tuesday ordered the Department of State Services, DSS, to allow Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, change his clothes.
She gave the order after Kanu’s lead Counsel, Mike Ozekhome, informed her of how the DSS was treating Kanu in custody.
Speaking during Tuesday’s proceedings, Ozikhome disclosed that the IPOB leader was still subjected to solitary confinement, adding that inmates who greeted him were subjected to the same treatment.
Responding, the judge directed the DSS to allow the IPOB leader enjoy some comfort.
Justice Nyako, however, informed the defence Counsel that a detention facility is not a five-star hotel.
“I don’t want to see him in these clothes again. This one is almost off-white. Also, make sure that you allow him to exercise,” Nyako said.
Kanu is facing charges bordering on terrorism and treasonable felony before Justice Nyako.
The Federal Government had on Monday night, filed new terrorism charges against the pro-Biafra agitator.
However the planned re-arraignment of Nnamdi Kanu on an amended terrorism charge was stalled.
At the mention of the case, lead defence lawyer, Mike Ozekhome (SAN) sought for time to enable him study the amended 15-count charge filed by the prosecution on January 17, 2022.
Ozekhome argued that the defence was ambushed with the fresh charge by the prosecution.
He claimed that the proof of evidence served on the defence by the prosecution was not legible enough to enable them know what constitutes the fresh charge.
Lead prosecuting lawyer, Magaji Labaran faulted the defence’s claim that the amended charge was an ambush.
Labaran also faulted the defence’s claim of Kanu not being properly fed, allowed to practise his religion and allowed free access to his family members.
He however did not object to the defence’s request for and adjournment, following which the judge, Justice Binta Nyako adjourned till January 19 for arraignment on the amended charge.