Court Fixes Feb 10 to Rule on IPOB leader’s Application
e Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has fixed February 10 for ruling on whether to dismiss the charges preferred against the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, or not.The court will also give its ruling on whether or not to quash the charges brought against Kanu’s co-defendants – Chidiebere Onwudiwe, Benjamin Madubugwu and David Nwawuisi.Also to be decided on February 10 is the application on the competence of the charge against Kanu, who is the first defendant.The accused persons are standing trial for alleged treasonable felony and terrorism.
At the resumed hearing yesterday, Kanu’s counsel, Ifeanyi Ejiofor argued that his client’s application challenging the charge against him was hinged on the fact that there was no case against him.He said: “Our application was premised on the fact that the proof of evidence attached to the charge cannot sustain it because it did not disclose a prima facie case against Kanu.”
Ejiofor added that the proof of evidence was empty, baseless and unfounded and that in such circumstance the court was required to quash the charge, then discharge and acquit the accused.
Responding, prosecuting counsel led by Suaibu Labaran who vehemently opposed the application, insisted that the applications lacked merit and urged the court to consequently dismiss it.
He insisted that the defendants are guilty of the alleged crimes and should therefore face their trial.
The judge however adjourned till February 10 to decide on the application.
Meanwhile, a large crowd of demonstrators demanding the release of the IPOB leader and his co-accused had continue to gather outside the premises of the Headquarters of the Federal High Court, Abuja.