Govt files fresh charges against Kanu 24-hrs to court hearing

The Federal Government of Nigeria, on Monday, added to the terrorism charges against the embattled leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

The government raised the counts from seven to 15, ahead of the resumed hearing on Tuesday, January 18, by Justice Binta Nyako, RELIABLESOURCENG.COM learnt.

Kanu’s legal team said it was served with an amended 15-count charge filed on January 17.

A lawyer in Kanu’s team, Maxwell Opara, described the amendment as a ploy by the prosecution to clog progress in the case.

Opara said that he was served with the amended charge while the legal team was preparing to visit Kanu in the custody of the State Security Service (SSS) on Monday.

“My annoyance is not about 15 worthless and empty amended charges, but it is just a calculated attempt to delay the trial and have an excuse to further incarcerate MNK (Maxi Nnamdi Kanu) in solitary confinement.

READ: JUST IN: FG files fresh charges against Nnamdi Kanu

“Imagine, since the last adjourned date, more than two months now, they did not deem it necessary to amend, file and serve us, but waited till today for them to do that with their ultimate intention to frustrate the trial tomorrow (Tuesday).

“Anyway, we shall sort it out with them in court tomorrow,” Opara said.

Kanu, who has been in detention since his alleged abduction from Kenya and forceful return to Nigeria, faced seven treasonable felony charges, but will now enter fresh plea to 15 amended charges marked, FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015, and signed by the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), M. B. Abubakar.