The adjournment came after Justice Binta Nyako dismissed Kanu’s application to quash the remaining 7 counts against him.
Kanu’s lawyer, Alloy Ejimakor, then invoked Section 17 of the Federal High Court Act, which allows the court to “promote reconciliation among the parties” and “encourage and facilitate the amicable settlement” of proceedings.
Ejimakor argued that the trial could not proceed if Kanu’s right to a fair hearing was being questioned.
He also informed the court that the Department of State Services (DSS) had not fully complied with the court’s orders to provide Kanu with an unbugged space to meet with his lawyers.
In response, the prosecution lawyer, Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, stated that he did not have instructions from his client, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), to engage in any negotiations with the defendant.
Awomolo suggested that Kanu should approach the AGF directly for any settlement discussions.
Justice Nyako, while observing that the court had no problem if the parties wanted to discuss a negotiation, urged Kanu to approach the AGF, who has the power to negotiate.
The judge also ordered the DSS to provide an “unbugged space” for Kanu to meet with his lawyers in preparation for the trial.
She further directed the prosecution to file and serve its proof of evidence on the defendant, while the defendant should file his defense and indicate areas of disagreement with the prosecution.
Meanwhile, Kanu himself spoke to journalists in court, condemning the recent killings in the South-East and insisting that IPOB was founded on non-violent principles.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
