- Safiu Kehinde
Justice James Omotosho, the presiding judge of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has dismissed claims of denying embattled leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, fair hearing in his ongoing trial on alleged terrorism act.
Omotosho maintained that Kanu’s allegation against the court is unjustifiable, stressing that the IPOB leader was given enough time and adequate facility to prepare for this defence.
The presiding judge made this known at the resumption of the judgement hearing over the case on Wednesday.
NPO earlier Reported that Kanu had disrupted the session after his plea for a final written address was rejected by the court.
Speaking after the resumption of the hearing, Omotosho recounted several efforts by the court in ensuring the IPOB leader got what he needed to prepare for his defence.
“The court even kindly ordered the DSS to these consultants have free access to him.
“This is in compliance with section 36 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which provide for access to legal practitioners.
“Most of these legal consultants are always present in court. There is nothing to show that he was denied adequate facility to prepare for his defence. He had enough time to prepare.” He said.
The presiding judge held that Kanu’s decision to defend himself after dismissing all his legal counsels was an attempt to delay the hearing of his case.
“He was represented by Senior Advocates such as Kanu Agabi SAN, Onyechi Ikpeazu SAN, Paul Umokoro SAN amongst others before they were suddenly disengaged.
“And the defendant suddenly decided to represent himself which this court suspected was also to cause another delay in the hearing of this matter.
“His allegation holds no water in the light of the fact and circumstances of this case. Consequently, this issue is resolved against the defendant.” Justice Omotosho added.