Leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu is now to face seven counts charges as his trial continues on May 26.
Justice Binta Nyako, while ruling on Friday, struck out seven charges after which she adjourned the matter.
However, the disclosure that the matter would henceforth be tried at another location other than the current Federal High Court drew the ire of many supporters of the detained separatists leader.
His lawyer, Mike Ozekome, said moving the trial away from the present venue would create the impression that the government wants to now try him in secrecy.
He said Kanu’s trial cannot be conducted like a “gathering of witches in a covens”. He said the best the could could order was strict screening of those who come to the court as it has been the practice. Ozekome promised to challenge the attempt to change the venue of the trial.
He said for a case of this nature with huge public interest, taking the trial outside the view of Nigerians would be tantamount to secrecy.
Prosecution counsel, while explaining the rationale behind the decision, said the huge crowd that always attend the proceedings each trial day constitute inconveniencies for other users of the premises where the court is located.
He said the venue of the next trial would be communicated before the next adjourned date.