Biafra: Magistrate’s absence stalls ruling in case against Kanu

• Kanu

The planned ruling on the whether or not the Federal Government could withdraw the charge it filed against Biafra agitator and manager of Radio Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu was stalled Tuesday by the absence of Magistrate Shuabu Usman.
The magistrate was said to have stayed away from court because he lost his father. The prosecution also did not produce Kanu in court Tuesday to the disappointment of his supporters who had besieged the court.
On the last hearing date of November 22, prosecution lawyer, Moses Idakwo applied to withdraw the charge before the Magistrate’s Court.
But, Kanu’s lawyer, Vincent Egechukwu Obeta objected to the prosectution’s application, insisting that an earlier order of the court, granting bail to the accused must first be obeyed.
Obeta contended that the bail earlier granted his client must be first complied with before any application for transfer of the case to another court could be heard.

Chief Magistrate Shuaib Usman adjourned December 1, 2015 for ruling.
When parties arrived the Magistrate’s Court in Wuse Zone 2, Abuja Tuesday, they were told the court would not sit because the magistrate had been bereaved.
The Department of State Services (DSS) in whose custody Kanu was being detained did not produce him in court.
Despite his absence in court, his supporters turned out in large number, with some bearing Biafra flag, which they held up in front of the court premises where they were restricted by policemen who also turned out in large number.
The Kanu supporters also held placards bearing inscriptions of solidarity for the detained Biafra agitator.