Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has pleaded not guilty to a seven-count charge bordering on terrorism and treasonable felony.
The IPOB leader was arraigned on Friday before James Omotosho, judge of a federal high court in Abuja.
On March 8, John Tsoho, chief judge of the federal high court, reassigned the IPOB leaders case to a new judge after the defendant repeatedly asked Binta Nyako to recuse herself from his case.
The IPOB leader directly told Nyako that he no longer had confidence in her handling of his trial.
On September 24, Nyako recused herself from Kanu’s case after an oral application by the defendant.
On February 10, Nyako adjourned the IPOB leader’s case indefinitely following the defendant’s insistence that the judge cannot preside over his case since she had recused herself.
Subsequently, Aloy Ejimakor, IPOB’s counsel, told the media in early March that the trial would start afresh following the appointment of a new judge.
Kanu Engages New Lawyer
At the resumption of trial on Friday, Kanu Agabi, a senior advocate and former attorney-general of the federation (AGF), announced new representation for Kanu.
After Kanu pleaded not guilty to all the seven-counts, Agabi told the court that they were ready to proceed with the trial.
Omotosho granted accelerated hearing, in view of the fact that the case has been on for 10 years. The case was adjourned to April 29, May 2 and 6 for trial.
