The Nigerian Government may continue the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, in absentia.
Kanu is currently facing trials bordering on criminal conspiracy and treasonable felony before Justice Binta Nyako-led court.
Ahead of resumed hearing today, the IPOB leader has not been seen or heard from since September 14 when security operatives allegedly invaded his residence in Umuahia, the Abia State capital.
However, a member of the prosecution team said the Federal Government was determined to proceed with the matter even if Kanu failed to appear in court.
Speaking with Vanguard, the member of the prosecution team, who wished not to be mentioned, said such practice was allowed, once it was proved that the defendant deliberately jumped bail.
“It will not be the first time a defendant is tried in absentia. Take the case of a former Niger Delta militant, Mr. Tompolo for instance.
“When he refused to make himself available, FG proceeded to try him in absentia”, the lawyer said.
He said under the extant laws in the country, “a defendant so tried, could still be convicted and made to face whatever penalty that was imposed by the court.”
Commentaires