On Friday, Aloy Ejimakor, the lead counsel for Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), refuted claims that conditions were set for the trial of the Biafra agitator during the recent proceedings at the Abuja Federal High Court.
He emphasized that the reports suggesting conditions were imposed by Kanu’s legal team before Justice Binta Nyako’s Federal High Court were inaccurate and misleading.
During the last hearing on April 17, 2024, Ejimakor highlighted that the primary focus was on the application to reinstate Kanu’s bail, following the Supreme Court’s ruling on December 15, 2023, indicating an error in revoking his bail.
Referring to the Supreme Court’s findings, Ejimakor explained that Kanu was compelled to flee due to the illegal raid on his home by armed military officers, which threatened his safety and well-being.
In response to media publications suggesting Kanu had laid out trial conditions, Ejimakor clarified the circumstances surrounding Kanu’s absence from court and emphasized that his actions were driven by a need to protect himself in the face of aggression.
He criticized the prosecution’s efforts to portray Kanu as evading trial, highlighting the unfairness of such claims considering the circumstances that led to Kanu’s absence.
Ejimakor reiterated their argument for bail restoration based on the Supreme Court’s directives and stressed the importance of creating a conducive environment for Kanu’s fair trial, especially given the serious nature of the charges he faces.
He underscored that their presentation in court did not involve laying down any conditions, as they respected the legal process and did not claim authority to impose terms on the court or the Nigerian state.