Nnamdi Kanu's Trial: US, UK Government Respond To IPOB's Request As Observers

The United States and the British Government have denied the request to observe Nnamdi Kanu's trial.

Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor on Wednesday, January 12, 2022, wrote to the United States and the British Government in Nigeria requesting their presence to ensure a fair hearing for his client.

The letter titled, ‘Request for delegate(s)/representative(s) to observe court proceedings …In Re: Charge NO. FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015, Federal Republic of Nigeria V. Nnamdi Kanu’, read in part, “May we, gratefully, please, request you to send representative(s) to observe the proceedings of the court on those adjourned dates and on any other date to which further proceedings in the case may be adjourned until the matter is disposed of.

“The need to ensure that our client is given a fair trial has compelled us to make this request. The instant request is compelling in the circumstance, to ensure that the whole process of our client’s trial is fair and just in all circumstances. It must be remembered that his purported indictment on criminal charges has a political undercurrent.”

Responding to IPOB's request, the US said it was limiting its employees from attending public gatherings while the UK explained that it does not normally attend a court case involving a British national.

US Mission said, “The US Mission Nigeria is following the trial of Nnamdi Kanu closely.  The US Department of State is limiting employees from attending public gatherings.”

While the UK Government said, “The FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) would not normally attend a court case involving a British national, but where we do consider it appropriate to attend, our consular staff would do so in an observational capacity only.”

Nnamdi Kanu is facing a fifteen-count amended charge preferred against him by the Federal Government.