The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled March 19, 2024, as the date for delivering a ruling on the bail request and preliminary objection to the commencement of trial put forth by Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Justice Binta Nyako fixed the hearing date after arguments were presented by both Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), representing the Federal Government, and Alloy Ejimakor, representing Kanu.
The court proceedings resumed following a Supreme Court ruling on December 15, 2023, which upheld Justice Nyako’s decision from April 8, 2022. The Supreme Court affirmed the preservation of several charges against Kanu, to which he pleaded not guilty.
Awomolo emphasized the readiness of the prosecution to proceed with the trial, citing the Supreme Court’s directive to continue with the hearing on the remaining counts.
However, Ejimakor informed the court of two pending motions: a bail application and a preliminary objection. While acknowledging the Supreme Court’s directive, Ejimakor stated that the defense team was not prepared to proceed with the trial at this time.
In a separate development, reports suggest that senior lawyers Mike Ozekhome and Ifeanyi Ejiofor are no longer part of Kanu’s legal team. Instead, Nnaemeka Ejiofor and Ejimakor appeared on behalf of Kanu during the court session.