The Abuja federal high court where Nnamdi Kanu, detained leader of the Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB), is facing trial has reduced the charges slammed against the secessionist by the President Muhammadu Buhari administration.
Mr Kanu had his 7-count charges increased after he was mysteriously abducted from Kenya last year. He is now facing 15-count charge bordering on treasonable felony and terrorism.
At the resumed hearing on Friday, Justice Binta Nyako said some the charges listed contained no offence and are hearby removed.
“In this instant preliminary objection application, I have read the counts and counts 6,7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 14 have not disclosed any offense,” the judge said. “Count 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8 and 15 shows some allegations.
“The court shall proceed to try the defendant on those count,” she ruled.
The court also gave its verdict on the issue of rendition, arguing that such is allowed if it involves a criminal case.
“Rendition for the purpose of criminal investigation is allowed. In the instant case, there is bench warrant on the defendant, suffice it to say, he is a fugitive before the court,” she said.
She also held that the court has jurisdiction to try the defendant for offense committed outside the country, contrary to the argument of Kanu’s lawyer.
On the issue of proscription of IPOB, she said “this issue is still on appeal, the order proscribing the organization is still subsisting until it is vacated.”
