The federal Government of Nigeria on Monday filed fresh charges against Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
FG in the amended charges filed against Kanu before the Federal High Court Abuja, increased the counts from 7 in the initial charges to 15.
The amended 15-count charges that borders on terrorism were preferred against Kanu barely 24 hours before his court appearance.
Kanu, who has been in detention since he was allegedly abducted in Kenya and returned to Nigeria, will now enter fresh plea to the amended charges signed by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, MB Abubakar, on behalf of the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Mr Abubakar Malami.
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In 2015, Kanu was first arrested on charges bordering on terrorism, treasonable felony, managing an unlawful society, publication of defamatory matter, illegal possession of firearms, and improper importation of goods, among others.
Count One of the charge read, “That you Nnamdi Kanu, Male, Adult, of Afatanukwu Ibeku, Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State sometimes in 2021 being a member and leader of Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, a proscribed Organisation, did commit an act in furtherance of an act of Terrorism against the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the People of Nigeria by making a broadcast received and heard in Nigeria within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to intimidate the population and you threatened that people will die, the whole world will stand still and you thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 1(2)(b) of the Terrorism Prevention Amendment Act, 2013.”
Reacting to the fresh charges, Aloy Ejimakor, Special Counsel to Nnamdi Kanu said: “The latest amendment coming so late on the eve of the trial smacks of dilatory tactics.
“Better yet, it is an exercise in futility, because it cannot overcome the vested jurisdictional defects springing from the extraordinary rendition of Nnamdi Kanu. Ultimately, the charges won’t stick.”
Ifunanya Ikueze is an Engineer, Safety Professional, Writer, Investor, Entrepreneur and Educator.
