By Emmanuella Ekele
The Federal High Court, Abuja, has rejected the no-case submission of the self-acclaimed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, in his ongoing alleged terrorism trial.
In a ruling, Justice Omotosho held that the prosecution had established a case against Kanu to warrant that he be ordered to enter his defence.
The judge, who dismissed Kanu’s no-case submission, found that the evidence led by the prosecution and the exhibits it tendered, have raised serious allegations of Kanu’s involvement in terrorist activities to warrant that he be allowed to defend himself.
The court said the evidence and exhibits and the need for him to demonstrate and lead evidence on his allegations of an extraordinary rendition required that the defendant is given the opportunity and afforded his fundamental rights to fair hearing to be allowed to enter his defence.
Kanu is being prosecuted by the DSS on a seven-count charge bordering of his alleged involvement in terrorism activities.
Meanwhile, the court has ordered the President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to set up a team of between eight and 10 members to determine the fitness of Nnamdi Kanu to stand trial.
Justice Omotosho asked the NMA to ascertain whether the health challenges claimed by Kanu could prevent him from further standing trial.
He issued the order while ruling on an application by Kanu, seeking to be transferred to a private ward at the National Hospital for urgent medical attention for an alleged life-threatening illness.
Source; Channels News
