TVC E. The Federal High Court today, February 9, stood down the trial of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu
“I am sorry the case has been stood down for other matters to be attended to,” Tsoho said.
Kanu went into the courtroom on handcuffs, a rare sight as prison officials always remove handcuffs from accused persons in the premises before they are allowed into the court rooms.
Kanu’s lawyer pleading with him to let his handcuff be removed but alas when the officials came to remove it, he refused.
He was also denied bail on submissions that would escape trial being in possession of a British passport and that the allegations against him are grave and a threat to national security.
The judge added that the rights of an individual does not supersede the peace and security of a nation.
Kanu’s lawyer, Chuks Muoma had asked the court to release some documents belonging to his defendant.
Muoma had in an application prayed the court to release money and two passports – Nigerian and British – collected from the first defendant (Kanu) upon his arrest. He also objected to the application for a secret trial of his client.
But the judge, Tsoho in his ruling said the application lacked merit.
Tsoho said: “There is no doubt that the accused have been charged before this court. It is erroneous to say that application for the release of these documents should not be made to this court.”
The judge however said that Muoma’s submission that evidences not listed on the charge can be returned to the accused person.
Quoting Diri, the judge said it is a mere conjecture by the defense to say that these evidences will not be used by the court.
He added that such applications can come after the prosecution has ended its case thereby allowing the defense to open their case.
The court further rejected the application for the release of the documents and adjourned the case to Friday, February 19 for hearing on the application on secret trial.
Kanu is facing charges of treasonable felony by the State Security Services (SSS).
