Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), will spend his Christmas and New Year in custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
Kanu has been in DSS custody since his re-arrest in July this year.
During his re-arraignment on Wednesday, Kanu complained that some members of his legal team were not allowed in to the court.
Indeed security operatives prevented Maxwell Opara, one of the Kanu’s lawyers from entering the Federal High Court, Abuja.
Also barred from the courtroom include journalists, Igbo traditional leaders, as well as observers and activists.
But other lawyers of Kanu including Ifeanyi Ejiofor and Aloy Ejimakor were allowed inside the courtroom.
Justice Binta Nyako had adjourned Kanu’s trial to today.
Kanu is facing terrorism-related charges and has since been detained in the custody of the Department of State Services since his re-arrest from a foreign country in June 2021.
He had pleaded not guilty to seven charges at his last appearance in court on October 21.
Ahead of his appearance in court, his lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, in a statement he issued, expressed Kanu’s optimism that he would regain his freedom soon.
The IPOB leader explained that he committed no offence to warrant his rearrest by the Nigerian Government.
Kanu’s resolve was disclosed by his lead counsel,.
Ejiofor disclosed that the legal team was working seriously to ensure Kanu’s release.
The statement reads partly: “Onyendu is very much strong in his conviction and has remained unshaken, believing most strongly that he will regain his freedom soon because he has not committed any offence known to law.
“Our Client – Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is not oblivious of the antics of his detractors, who are desperately working day and night to enthrone confusion and destroy all he has laboured for years to build. To that end, he advised his followers to remain more vigilant now than ever. He emphasized that this is indeed perilous times.”
Kanu expressed gratitude to his followers for standing by him.
Kanu, who was rearrested in Kenya earlier this year, would continue his trial at the Abuja Federal High Court.
The IPOB leader arrived at the court premises at about 7 am, ahead of the resumed hearing, one of his lawyers.
