The re-arraignment of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has been adjourned until Wednesday.
This followed a delay by the prosecution to serve the defence with the amended charge.
Justice Binta Nyako of the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court, fixed the date after Mr Kanu’s lead counsel, Mike Ozekhome, opposed the plan to rearraign his client on a fresh 15-count charge following the late service of the application.
The attorney general of the federation Abubakar Malami had on Monday filed fresh charges bordering on terrorism against the IPOB leader.
The new charge was increased from seven counts earlier preferred against him on October 20, 2021.
When the matter was called, the prosecution counsel, M.S. Labaran informed the court about the amended charge and prayed that the counts be read to the defendant for him to take his plea.
But Mr Ozekhome objected, arguing that the application was served on them late yesterday (Monday).
He stated that since the last adjourned date on December 2, 2021, the prosecution failed to serve the defence the amended charge until January 17.
He noted that though the prosecution had filed at least six amended charges in the course of the case, they were in the habit of serving the applications late in order to frustrate proceedings.
The senior lawyer said the team of lawyers had not had the time to meet with their client on the new development.
He urged the court to adjourn the matter until Wednesday to give the defendant adequate time and facility to defend himself in accordance with the provision of the law.
The AGF’s lawyer did not oppose Mr Ozekhome’s request.
Mrs Nyako fixed Wednesday for the re-arraignment.
(NAN)
