Biafra: Federal High Court To Shift Venue Of Nnamdi Kanu’s Trial, Gives Reason
Justice John Tsoho, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, has intimated that the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, may be moved.
The decision, according to Justice Tosho, was made to ensure that other pending matters in court were not disrupted.
Kanu is charged with terrorism in an Abuja Federal High Court by Justice Binta Nyako.
During Kanu’s court appearances, the courthouse is generally besieged by the agitator’s supporters, who are accompanied by a large security presence.
During Kanu’s sessions, security personnel frequently prevent other lawyers from entering the courtroom.
Tsoho condemned the situation and stated that the court is working to find a quick solution to the problem.
He made the remarks while hosting the newly elected leaders of the Nigerian Bar Association’s Abuja Chapter in his office.
According to Tsoho: “It’s not really the making of the court. It is something foisted on us, it is security arrangement that causes this problem. So, you find a situation where a trial is coming up involving an individual and a whole lot of communities leave their businesses to besiege the court.
“It is a worrisome development to all of us the courts, counsel and parties.
“It’s not really the making of the court. It is something foisted on us, it is security arrangement that causes this problem. So, you find a situation where a trial is coming up involving an individual and a whole lot of communities leave their businesses to besieged the court.
“It is worrisome, but you can’t prevent them. So how to manage it has been challenging to us. We are even trying to think of some solutions. If you observed, for those who were here when the matter came up, but of course, the roads were free because the matter was shifted to late afternoon.
“What will ultimately happen is that, we are exploring the possibility of shifting the venue of the trial. That will be the best way out, otherwise, if the trial continues here, it will interfere with our business. We have 11 courts here but it is only one court that is trying Kanu.
“And anytime the case comes up, the other courts cannot function. It is really not a good development. But I can assure you that we have actually gone far in finding a solution to it.”
