Nnamdi Kanu re-arraigned, pleads ‘not guilty’ to fresh 7-count charges

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Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has pleaded not guilty to the fresh 7-count charges bordering on alleged terrorism and treasonable felony slammed against him by the Department of State Security (DSS).

Kanu was re-arraigned at an Abuja division of the Federal High court on Thursday before Justice Binta Nyako because of his alleged involvement in acts of terrorism.

His application to be transferred to Kuje Prison was dismissed by the judge, who also adjourned the matter for hearing on November 10, 2021.

What happened in court?

At the resumed hearing, there was a heavy security presence around the court premises and reporters were barred from entering the courtroom.

When the charges were read to Mr Kanu, he pleaded not guilty.

Attached to the amended charges filed by DSS, is a seven paragraph affidavit of completion deposed to by Loveme Odubo, a prosecutor in the Federal Ministry of Justice.

What you need to know

Since the time of his arrest, Kanu has been in the custody of the DSS. He had applied to be transferred to Kuje correctional facility but his application was dismissed by the judge.

Kanu will, therefore, likely remain in DSS custody. His Counsel, Ifeanyi Ejiofor said they are challenging the fresh 7 count charges.

At the time of this report, Kanu’s supporters had stormed the court environment chanting solidarity songs. Our analyst also reported the presence of an unidentified opposing group loitering around the court environment.

Photo: Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor.