By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Federal Government’s lead counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), to serve all relevant trial documents to Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), the lawyer representing Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
According to Independent Newspaper, the directive came during Tuesday’s proceedings, where the judge, stressing a need for order and transparency, warned, “We have the facility,” in response to courtroom disorder and the threat of moving proceedings online.
The court maintained that no document would be admitted unless properly disclosed ahead of time, rejecting a motion by the prosecution to retrieve previously tendered exhibits until each was clearly listed.
During cross-examination, the first prosecution witness (AAA) admitted being unaware that several terrorism charges against Kanu had been struck out.
A second witness (BBB), assigned by the Attorney General to investigate Kanu, described him as the founder of Eastern Security Network and operator of Radio Biafra.
However, an attempt to submit an authorisation letter for the investigation was blocked by the defence, forcing the prosecution to withdraw it.
Confusion also arose from a letter submitted by one Charles Ude claiming to represent Kanu. The IPOB leader confirmed Agabi remains his counsel, leading the judge to limit recognised defence lawyers to 16. The trial continues May 7 with further witness examination.
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