Introduction of the Prosecutor (Deputy Director of Public Prosecution) and Defense counsels are now ongoing. Founder of Due process Advocates (DPA), Emeka Ugwuonye’s presence is also made known at the court as part of the defense lawyer.
Barristers Ejiofor for first defendant, Innocent Adoga for the second defendant, Tolu Adefolani for third defendant, Maxwell Okpara for the fourth defendant And another lawyer appearing for Ifeanyichukwu Nwaoha.
Following the introduction of both counsels, justice Binta asserted that today’s case is centred on application for bail for the accused and review of the treasonable felony charge bordering on terrorism, saying that such charge is a very serious offense. Reading out her speech, the trial judge, Nyako read out the positions and arguments of the defense counsel for the court to vary its order on the protection of witnesses.
She read out that the defense based their argument on the change/striking out some of the charges but that she has not seen any further compelling evidence to do so.
Continuing, Justice Binta granted Kanu bail on health issues with these conditions:
Sureties with 1 million naira each
A Highly respected religious leader
He should deposit his entire international passport in court.
Since he’s on bail, no rally, no interview and MUST not be seen in a crowd exceeding ten people. “No interviews
No rallies, because if you breach any of these things, I’ll recall you back,” Justice Nyako maintained.
Part of the conditions was that he should provide a surety resident in Abuja with a landed property. She also banned him from filing any application in court as part of the conditions for his release. After reading out these conditions, case was adjourned to 11th July, 2017, for continued trial.
Chukwuemeka Chimerue
Anyikwa Kelechi Cynthia
Reporting Live from Abuja
for Biafra Writers