Members of Nnamdi Kanu’s legal team have issued a stern warning of potential boycott of court proceedings, citing concerns over perceived injustice against their client. They expressed readiness to abstain from participating in the proceedings if the Department of State Services (DSS) continues to disregard Kanu’s right to a fair trial.
Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), faces charges of treason felony and terrorism and has been detained by the DSS since 2021. Despite Kanu’s application for bail on health grounds and to facilitate trial preparation, his request was denied by Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja, who instead assured an expedited hearing.
Scheduled to commence on April 17, 2024, Kanu’s trial preparation has faced significant obstacles, according to his legal team led by Alloy Ejimakor. During a press conference in Abuja on April 9, 2024, Ejimakor accused the DSS of obstructing access to their client and confiscating legal documents crucial for trial preparation.
In a subsequent press conference, Ejimakor reiterated their stance, emphasizing their unwillingness to participate in a trial marred by injustice. He affirmed that while they would not abandon Kanu, they would withdraw from a process that undermines justice in Nigerian courts.
Ejimakor clarified, “This legal team is not going to be part of the travesty of justice. If Nnamdi Kanu is not going to get a fair trial, this legal team is not going to be part of murdering justice in a Nigerian court.” He stressed their refusal to engage in a process predetermined to deliver injustice against Kanu, asserting their commitment to upholding the principles of justice.
