Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) appeared in court all smiles as his trial resumed on Friday, April 8.
This comes after Nigeria’s secret police, Department of State Services in the morning brought over 200 personnel to the court, denying lawyers, court workers, journalists, activists and Kanu’s supporters access to the premises.
The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court (FHC) in Abuja, Justice John Tsoho, had announced that Kanu will be tried in secret following the released the new practice direction for the trial of terrorism suits before the court.
Justice Tsoho stated that the new practice direction is in the exercise of his constitutional powers as contained in Section 254 of the Constitution of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).
The Federal High Court on Thursday stated this in a directory referred to as “Practice Directions On Trial of Terrorism Cases.”
By this new directive, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Justice Tsoho further noted that “the distance and size of perimeters to be secured for the trial shall be determined based on the recommendation of security agencies on a case-by-case basis.”
This will make the trial of terrorism-related offences, such as that of Kanu and Boko Haram suspects, to be done secretly.
Media coverage will also be prohibited except where the Chief Judge of the court grants permission.
HUMAN RIGHTS GROUP KICKS AGAINST SECRET TRIAL
In a statement signed by Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, National Coordinator of Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), the group warned that the new development will likely escalate the security situation in the South East.
The statement added that the Nigerian government adopted the measure because it has no evidence against the IPOB leader in his trial over alleged terrorism and related offences.
The group said, “Secret trial for the leader of the now proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) after he was abducted forcefully from Kenya by Nigeria’s secret services in collaboration with their Kenyan counterparts, after being subjected to horrendous ordeals and illegal rendition, which offends relevant international humanitarian laws, is unconstitutional, primitive, illegal and obnoxious.
“It is as if Nigeria is back to the days of military tribunal whereby citizens were simply chopped off the streets and made to face organised trial with a predetermined outcome.
“The decision on the Nnamdi Kanu’s case is totally unlawful and irregular. If the government believes it has a case against him, which is very doubtful, why is the government afraid of the light and has chosen to try him in the dark?
“This may escalate the security situation in the South-East because most people will see this as not being transparent, open and justifiably carried out.
“Whatever outcome from such a secret trial is ab initio null, void and of no moment.
“We in HURIWA reject this appalling demolition of judicial transparency by the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration. This will adversely damage constitutional democracy.”
