Amidst proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu finds himself in a dilemma as Justice Binta Nyako presented him with an ultimatum – either allow the trial to commence today or face an indefinite adjournment.
Despite Kanu’s lead lawyer repeatedly claiming that his client is unprepared for trial, the judge insisted on a decision to start the proceedings or postpone them indefinitely.
Kanu has set various conditions that must be met by the Federal Government before he agrees to face trial on charges of treasonable felony, including being moved out of DSS custody, placed under house arrest, and having his bail restored with unrestricted access to legal representation, family members, and medical staff.
Justice Nyako had scheduled rulings on two fresh applications by Kanu for May 20, but the defendant strongly objected to the trial commencing.
Despite the judge directing the trial to begin on Wednesday, April 17, Kanu adamantly refused, claiming that the trial could not proceed.
In the ensuing drama, Justice Nyako temporarily suspended the proceedings, giving Kanu the option to either start the trial or adjourn it indefinitely.
Currently, Kanu is in a conference meeting with his legal team and supporters in the courtroom, while Justice Nyako has withdrawn to her chambers, allowing Kanu time to make his decision.