IPOB: Kanu in court as Mike Ozekhome leads team of lawyers

The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, is physically present as his trial resumes Tuesday at the Federal High Court, Abuja.

The Federal Government, through the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, on Monday, filed an amended 13 counts bordering on terrorism against Kanu.

The charge was raised from seven counts earlier filed against the IPOB leader.

The fresh charges border on treasonable felony and terrorism following the pending charges he was facing since 2016.

Kanu arrived the court at about 7am amidst tight security as operatives of the Department of State Services frisked journalists and lawyers.

When he entered the courtroom, Kanu exchanged pleasantries with his lawyers led by Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN.

He was welcomed into the courtroom by five members of his family.

There was a heavy security presence at the Federal High Court complex in Maitama, Abuja.

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Earlier, Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, told newsmen that he took up as the lead counsel in the terrorism case filed against Kanu, because he briefed him to do so.

Ozekhome said, “I took up his (Kanu) matter because he briefed me and I believe that he deserved justice and justice must be served.”

Ozekhome arrived in court in company of Kanu’s counsel, Mr Ifeanyi Ejiofor.

Ejiofor confirmed that the changes had been made in the defence team.

Kanu and other persons were re-arraigned before Justice Binta Nyako on amended 11 counts, comprising terrorism, treasonable felony, managing an unlawful society, publication of defamatory matter, illegal possession of firearms and improper importation of goods.

The initial charges filed on December 18, 2015 had only six counts with exclusion of terrorism which is now the 11th count in the new charges filed on November 11, 2016.

Those initially charged along with Kanu were Benjamin Madubugwu and David Nwawuisi.