The Federal Government has filed a seven-count amended charge against the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu, as he is billed to appear in court on Thursday.
The amended charge, which was filed by the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, borders on treasonable felony and Kanu’s alleged involvement in acts of terrorism.
The IPOB leader will be re-arraigned before trial Justice Binta Nyako on Thursday.
Meanwhile, the Senator representing Anambra North, Ifeanyi Ubah, on Monday, filed a motion before the Federal High Court in Abuja to compel the Department of State Service (DSS) to allow him to have access to Kanu in detention.
A few days ago, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, the lead counsel to Kanu, stated that he (Kanu) enjoined IPOB followers to proceed on a fast ahead of his trial on October 21.
Ejiofor had in an update added that Kanu and the legal team were confident of victory and no excuses would be tolerated from the Department of State Services.
Ejiofor noted that Kanu was strong and ready to appear at the Federal High Court in Abuja on October 21.
The IPOB leader’s lawyer had said, “As the D-Day approaches, the legal team is not leaving any stone unturned towards ensuring that all the “t’s” are crossed and “i’s” dotted.
“It was indeed an eventful visit as our indefatigable Client found as laughable, the series of false narratives being spread to the public domain, ostensibly sponsored by the agents of darkness who are very deep in their dream to prevent his appearance in court, and to create a state of panic in the minds of his followers.
“Prominent among the falsehood desperately championed by mischief makers is the trending subject that our dear Client, Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has been flown to China, and from China to Israel, and from Israel to Kontokatafi etc. We know the purveyors of these fake news and they are aware that their evil conspiracies are dead on arrival.
“Onyendu was equally amazed by another fake news that was making headline in some social media quarters, that he was asked to sign any document before regaining his freedom. This is total falsehood and he is urging his esteemed followers to please ignore this falsehood.
“Above all, our indefatigable Client is strong and tenaciously holding firm in spirit. He is ready for the 21st October 2021 appearance in court. This date is SACROSANCT and shall remain so.
“Thankfully, the Federal Government of Nigeria is fully aware of this date, and more compelling is the fact that the detaining authority has since over a month ago, concluded every purported investigation into the matter. Hence, no plausible excuse will be available to them not to produce Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in court come Thursday, the 21st Day of October 2021. You must all see him live and direct on this date.
“Our Client-Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu urges millions of his followers and supporters to continue to conduct themselves and carry on within the ambit of the laws, as you all have always done. More strikingly and commendable is the fact that your solidarity has remained unshaken against all intimidating circumstance, and for this, he is deeply grateful.
“Onyendu advised his supporters and millions of followers to go into dry fasting as the D-Day approaches, because resounding victory will be ours on this date and the Almighty Chukwuokike Abiama will be given the glory and adoration in the end.”
Meanwhile, the South-East apex socio-political organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has called on the Federal Government to, this time round, produce Kanu in court.
Ohanaeze said producing Kanu unfailingly in court would indicate that the IPOB leader is sound in health.
The DSS had failed to produce him in court in July, following his re-arrest and repatriation from Kenya.
However, Ohanaeze said the IPOB leader should be given a fair trial.
In a statement by its spokesman, Chiedozie Alex Ogbonnia, the group said, “We call on President Muhammadu Buhari to ensure that our son, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, is produced in court on Thursday, October 21, 2021. This is necessary to prove to the global community that Nnamdi Kanu is not only hale and hearty but that shady judicial process is not contemplated while on trial.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo stands on a firm wicket to proclaim that the agitation and youth restiveness in the South-East of Nigeria is simply a reaction or an effect or the consequences of an orchestrated alienation by the federal government over the years.
“The theory of causality quickly reminds us that a phenomenon or a chain of phenomena contributes to the production of other forms of phenomena; where the cause is partly responsible for the effect.
“On the other hand, not until some of the issues of obvious injustice against the Igbo are seen to be addressed, the chains of catastrophe that threaten the corporate existence of Nigeria may well-nigh be inevitable. History shows that it is extremely difficult to have peace amidst injustice.
“Emphatically, we need not look elsewhere to know that IPOB is simply an exponent of Igbo collective sentiments and predicaments in our tortuous journey and an unquantifiable sacrifice for one Nigeria.
“The President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Ambassador George Obiozor had in his inaugural speech on January 20, 2021 called on the Presidency to consider Dialogue as a panacea to peace; insisting that the jackboot approach to the IPOB uprising will rather aggravate the precarious situation.
“As at today, Governors in the North have openly demonstrated their desire for dialogue with dreaded groups terrorising their regions; the videos clips abound. Based on the foregoing, the Ohanaeze structures, including the Council of Elders, Council of Traditional Rulers, the Igbo Governors, Igbo NASS members, government officials, Archbishops and the Clergy, stakeholders, Youth and Women Wings, Town Union, etc are ready for a meaningful dialogue with the Federal Government of Nigeria on a plethora of challenges facing the igbo nation and Nigeria.
“Our core objective is a sense of belonging in a country anchored on equity, justice and fairness.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide enunciates that the guardrail of democracy is anchored on toleration, forbearance and dialogue. Good Governance is merely an outcome based on the application of democratic norms and values. And not until the right thing is done and seen to have been done, Nigeria will most likely continue in its downward spiral,” the Ohanaeze demurred.