Why Nnamdi Kanu refused to show up in court – DSS

Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), failed to show up at a federal high court in Abuja on Monday.

Kanu is being prosecuted on charges of terrorism.

When the case was called, Mohammed Abubakar, prosecution counsel from the office of the attorney-general, said Kanu refused to appear before the court.

“He has declined to come to court,” he said.

I. Awo, counsel to the Department of State Security (DSS), said Kanu woke up and refused to come to court.

“The defendant was intimated about today’s court session,” Awo said.

“I called the office to find out why and they said he woke up this morning and objected that he was not going to come to court.”

Mike Ozekhome, Kanu’s counsel, said the last time he spoke with his client, the IPOB leader expressed enthusiasm to be present in court.

“We are therefore surprised that that the same person has refused to come to court,” he said.

Binta Nyako, presiding judge, said the presence of the accused person was not necessary for the day’s proceedings since the matter was adjourned for parties in the suit to give a report on the status of the case.

After the parties briefed the court on the verdict of the court of appeal and pending appeals at the apex court, the matter was adjourned indefinitely pending the determination of the appeals.