The Lead Counsel to the Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has acknowledged the Igbo leaders and others who were at the Federal High Court, Abuja in solidarity with the embattled pro self-determination activist.
Addressing a mammoth crowd that gathered to witness the resumed trial of the IPOB Leader, Mr. Ifeanyi Ejiofor noted especially the presence of former Anambra State Governor, Dr. Chukwuemeka and Senator Ifeanyi Ubah at Thursday’s trial. It is recalled that Ezeife was prevented by security operatives from accessing the court to witness the trial.
On his part, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah who abandoned his vehicle and trekked long distances in order to witness the trial was also prevented by security operatives at the three entry points that he attempted to gain entrance. This is notwithstanding that he has a pending application seeking an order of the court to visit Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and assess his condition and possible release from detention, having been turned back by Department of State Services (DSS) operatives on two occasions that he visited their office to discuss with the IPOB Leader.
Speaking further, the fiery senior lawyer said: “As you can see, many of our people are here including Mr. Bruce Fein, (Barrister) Nnaemeka (Ejiofor); Senator Ifeanyi Ubah is here, Eze-Igbo in Abuja, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife was here. The pillars of Igbo nation that came out in solidarity with us here are many.”
Ejiofor, who led a team of other lawyers at the proceedings, informed the surging crowd that the legal team told the court that the amended charge as filed by the Federal Government was a “worthless paper,” adding that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu could not be tried based on that charge.
He also informed the audience that he has filed a preliminary objection asking the court to dismiss the charge, adding that the court has adjourned the application to November 10, 2021 for hearing.
According to the IPOB Lead Counsel, Kanu has not committed any offence known to law. His words: “That he was in his house (in London) discussing and now said to have committed an offence in Nigeria is untenable. It cannot happen here.”
He urged all the supporters to also attend the trial on November 10, saying: “Always conduct yourself well when you are in the court premises. We told them (security operatives) that we do not want to hear that anyone has been arrested in the court premises. You have not done anything wrong by attending the trial. Anyone arrested today, we will do everything possible to ensure he or she is released today or tomorrow. Once we leave here we will go to DSS (office) to see Nnamdi Kanu and discuss with him.”
Continuing, Ejiofor said: “My only pain on one hand and joy on the other hand is that I was wondering if anything untoward had happened to Nnamdi Kanu, it would have been because of a worthless charge that was filed in this court! But I am happy he is alive today, because at the end of the day all that is hidden will come to light.”
It is recalled that the Federal Government had filed an amended seven-count amended charge against Mazi Nnamdi Kanu bordering on treason among others. He pleaded “Not Guilty” to all the charges.