Situation Report As Nnamdi Kanu's Trial Continues Today, January 18, 2022

The trial of leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, continues today at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

AllNews Nigeria brings you situation report on the the trial of Nnamdi Kanu thus far.

FG Increases Nnamdi Kanu's Charges To 15

As againts the seven-count charge, Nnamdi Kanu is now facing a fifteen-count amended charge preferred against him by the Federal Government.

According to a statement by Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor, "Monday, January 17, 2022, we were served with a 15-Count Amended Charge filed by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation in respect of a case already scheduled tomorrow, for the hearing of our Preliminary objection challenging the competence of the 7-Count Amended Charge"

Journalists and lawyers seated for Nnamdi Kanu trial

The amended charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015 was signed by the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), M. B. Abubakar, on behalf of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami.

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.

UK, US Government State Position On Nnamdi Kanu

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.

Responding to the request, 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.”

Ifeanyi Ejiofor Arrives Court

The lead counsel for the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, on Tuesday unveiled Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN) as the leader of the defence counsel for Nnamdi Kanu whose trial commences today before Justice Binta Nyako of a Federal High Court in Abuja.

Ifeanyi Ejiofor and Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN) in court