IPOB: We can’t prepare Kanu’s defence against death penalty charges – Lawyer, Ejimakor

Alloy Ejimakor, the Lead Counsel of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has identified a major hindrance to properly preparing the agitator’s defence against charges with the death penalty.

Ejimakor said he and his team have not been granted enough access to confer with Kanu towards preparing a defence against charges that carry the death penalty.

Addressing journalists in Abuja, the lead counsel lamented that their conversations with the IPOB leader were extremely monitored and it’s hampering their defence preparation.

He said: “It’s not about having access to our client; we do have access but it is monitored and hampered to the point that we are unable to discuss with him to the point of confidentiality that is guaranteed between a lawyer and his client and enhances the defence we want to prepare to defend him against charges that carry the death penalty.

“Our position conforms with the law. Section 36 of the Nigerian constitution says unless a fair hearing can be guaranteed no Nigerian should be subjected to any trial.”

The IPOB leader is facing charges of terrorism before the Justice Binta Nyako-led Federal High Court.

During yesterday’s proceedings, Ejimakor had demanded “fair hearing safeguards” for his client before the actual trial of terrorism begins.

The trial judge had fixed May 20 to rule on Kanu’s bail application and his request to transfer him from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) to house arrest.

Kanu, who has been in detention since 2021, in a motion argued by Ejimakor, requested the court to restore the bail granted to him in 2017 by the same Judge.

He told the court that contrary to the claim of the Federal Government, he did not jump bail or breach any of the conditions of the bail but had to escape out of the country when the military allegedly invaded his house.