The principal attorney for IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, Alloy Ejimakor, has discovered a significant obstacle to effectively preparing the agitator’s defense against accusations carrying the death penalty.
According to Ejimakor, he and his group have not had adequate access to meet with Kanu in order to prepare a defense against allegations that are punishable by death.
Speaking to reporters in Abuja, the main attorney bemoaned how closely their discussions with the IPOB leader were being watched and how this was impeding their preparation for their defense.
He said: “It’s not about having access to our client; we do have access but it is monitored and hampered to the point that we are unable to discuss with him to the point of confidentiality that is guaranteed between a lawyer and his client and enhances the defence we want to prepare to defend him against charges that carry the death penalty.
“Our position conforms with the law. Section 36 of the Nigerian constitution says unless a fair hearing can be guaranteed no Nigerian should be subjected to any trial.”
The Federal High Court, presided over by Justice Binta Nyako, has charged the leader of IPOB with terrorism.
Ejimakor had requested “fair hearing safeguards” for his client prior to the start of the terrorism trial during yesterday’s sessions.
On May 20, the trial judge was scheduled to make a decision regarding Kanu’s bail application and his request to be placed under home arrest instead of Department of State Services (DSS) custody.
In a plea submitted by Ejimakor, Kanu—who has been detained since 2021—asked the court to reinstate the bail that the same judge had granted him in 2017.
He informed the court that, in contrast to the Federal Government’s assertion, he did not violate any bail terms or jump bail; rather, he was forced to flee the nation after the military allegedly broke into his home.
