The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled additional proceedings for March 4 in a new N1 billion lawsuit initiated by Nnamdi Kanu, the incarcerated leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The suit targets the Federal Government, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), the Department of State Services (DSS), and its Director-General.
Justice James Omotosho adjourned the hearing in the fundamental rights enforcement suit due to the absence of the applicant’s lawyer during the case mention. The respondents were represented by two lawyers – Enoch Simon (representing the Federal Government and the AGF) and I. Awo for the DSS.
Simon informed the court that his clients had only received the hearing notice and were yet to be served with the originating processes of the suit. Awo echoed a similar sentiment, stating, “We were not served as well.”
Justice Omotosho adjourned the case to March 4 for further proceedings and directed that a hearing notice be issued and served on the applicant.
In the lawsuit filed by Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, the IPOB leader seeks declarations regarding the respondents’ actions, including forcibly seizing and photocopying confidential legal documents related to the preparation of his defense. Kanu alleges a denial of his rights to be defended by legal practitioners of his own choice. Additionally, he seeks declarations related to the prevention of his counsel from taking notes during discussions at the DSS detention facility, claiming a denial of his right to adequate facilities for defense preparation.
The court proceedings continue as the legal battle unfolds between Nnamdi Kanu and the Nigerian authorities.
