I Cannot Be Intimidated – Ipob Leader, Nnamdi Kanu, Gets Pissed In Court
BEVERLY HILLS, December 13, (THEWILL) – Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and director of Radio Biafra, says Nigeria will collapse when he gives his testimony in court insisting that he would not be intimidated.
At a heated court session on Tuesday , at the Federal High Court in Abuja, Kanu, who spoke from the dock, said this in protest of Justice Binta Nyako's decision to shield witnesses that would testify against him at her court.
Labaran Shuaibu, counsel to the federal government and prosecutor, asked the court for an order to mask the witnesses who would testify against the defendants saying the lives of his witnesses might be in danger if their identities were not concealed.
Nyako had ruled on an application seeking the protection of witnesses in the ongoing trial of Kanu, and three others, David Nwawuisi, Benjamin Madubugwu and Chidiebere Onwudiwe, who are facing 11-counts of treason and terrorism brought against them by the government.
“The counsels and the defendants will see the witnesses. The witnesses will have special entrances to and outside the court,” the judge said.
“The court would allow the witnesses to be shielded with screen-guards. The court would set aside two days for rehearsals on how the witnesses will come into the court and depart from the court.
“It is not going to be a secret trial. The court will allow the defendants see the witnesses. The defendant counsel will also see the witnesses.”
Reacting to the judgement, Kanu, raising his voice, said anything short of a public trial would not be allowed accusing President Muhammadu Buhari of lying.
“Buhari went on national television to accuse me in public and he wants to try me in secret. I will not allow myself to be subjected to this kind of trial,” he said.
“By the time I am through with my testimony there will be no Nigeria. What kind of secret trial? This is not a Sharia Court but common law court.
“I will address this court! You cannot be killing my people and tell me that you will make me have a secret trial.
“That won't happen! The president can intimidate the judges, but he cannot do that to me. Tell him he has lied.”
Kanu's lawyer, Chux Muoma, however warned his client to allow him do his job without undue interference in court.
“Sit down! I am your counsel let me talk. I have not come all the way here to allow you speak for me in court,” Muoma said.
He apologised to the court afterwards but insisted that he with counsel to the other defendants would make a formal application against the judgement because they were opposed to the ruling of the court.
Story by Oputah David