The Moment Kanu’s Roar Sent Nyako Scampering for Safety (Detailed Report of Today’s Court Sitting)
The case between Nnamdi Kanu and the Federal government of Nigeria kicked off at exactly 10:23am Biafra time after the arrival of Binta Nyako. Nnamdi Kanu and the other accused Benjamin Madubugwu, David Nwawuisi and Chidiebere Onwudiwe were led to the shielding apparatus set before the court, where the masked witnesses were expected to be paraded as well.
It could be recalled that Justice Binta on the 13th of Dec 2016, ruled that masked witnesses would be allowed to testify against Kanu. She quoted circumstances under section 36(6) of the 1999 constitution, whereby witnesses are allowed to conceal their identity.
She held that the court will be able to see their witnesses, but it will be restricted to the representatives of both parties. She added that the court is going to be arranged in such a way that only the defendants and the defense counsels will be able to see the witnesses. below is the shielding apparatus where Nnamdi Kanu and others were hidden.
But Nnamdi Kanu swiftly responded to her presposterous ruling by thundering without fear saying “do i look like a fool to you? I won’t take this. Buhari accused me in the public and the trial must be open to all, I won’t accept this.”
Earlier before the arrival of Binta Nyako and the accused today the 10th of January 2017, the DSS were seen barring people from entering the courtroom including the press. Efforts made by Nnamdi kanu’s brother to persuade them to allow people access into the premises proved abortive.
On further enquiries as to the rationale behind the unmerited obstruction, the DSS agents replied that dictator Muhammadu Buhari has ordered that no press should be allowed access into the courtroom. One of the DSS officials further went on to say that only one family member relating to the accused (Nnamdi Kanu) is allowed entry and reiterated again that there will be no media coverage of proceedings.
Justice Binta Nyako arrived shortly afterwards and settled down to preside over the day’s proceedings of allowing masked witnesses to testify against Nnamdi Kanu. But Kanu without hesitation was heard thundering from behind the shielding apparatus that there will be no court sitting without the presence of Biafrans and his family members outside. When asked why he said so, he replied “Buhari cannot accuse me in the open and try me in secret.”
At this point, Binta Nyako who could no longer hide her annoyance adjourned the case to Thursday 12th January 2017, and cowardly jet out of the courtroom in frustration.
Anyikwa Cynthia And Chukwuemeka Chimerue Reporting From Abuja
For BiafraWriters
