Justice Binta Nyako from the Federal High Court in Abuja warned Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), that she will postpone his trial indefinitely if he continues to delay its start.
Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, had set conditions for his client’s involvement in the trial earlier in the day.
Some of the conditions outlined by Ejimakor included restoring Kanu’s previously granted bail, moving him from Department of State Services (DSS) custody, and allowing him unrestricted access to his legal counsel to properly prepare for the trial.
However, the prosecuting lawyer, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), strongly opposed these requests, calling them frivolous, vexatious, irritating, and without merit.
Justice Nyako scheduled the ruling on Ejimakor’s requests for May 20 but stressed that progress must be made in the case by Wednesday.
“It is either we open this trial today by prosecution calling witnesses, or I adjourn this matter indefinitely till the time you are ready for trial.
“You cannot continue to hold the court to ransom. I hope you know the consequences of adjourning the trial sine die. You have to make a choice and the choice has to be for you.
“I will rise for some minutes for you to think about this and make a choice and that choice has to be made today”, Justice Nyako said.
