Aloy Ejimakor, the Lead Counsel representing Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has reiterated his belief that Kanu cannot receive a fair trial while detained by the Department of State Services (DSS).
Ejimakor elucidated on his stance, emphasizing the importance of equality of arms between the defendant and the prosecutor in ensuring a fair trial.
He expressed concern that such equality is impossible to achieve while Kanu remains in DSS custody.
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In a post on social media platform X, Ejimakor wrote: “A defendant can never have a #FairTrial if there is no EQUALITY OF ARMS between him & the prosecutor. The truth is that this equality of arms will never happen whilst #MNK is detained at the DSS.”
Kanu has been held in DSS custody since 2021, following his arrest in Kenya and subsequent extradition to Nigeria to face trial. His initial arrest occurred in 2015 in Lagos, and he was later arraigned in 2016 alongside four others on charges related to treason.
Although Justice Binta Nyako of the Abuja Federal High Court granted Kanu bail in 2017, citing health grounds, the bail was revoked in 2019 after Kanu allegedly violated its conditions by failing to appear in court.
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Kanu, however, maintains that he fled the country for his safety following an attack on his family’s home in Abia State, which resulted in casualties.
Despite the revocation of bail, Kanu’s trial resumed, with some charges being struck out by Justice Nyako. However, she declined to grant him bail again.
The situation has sparked debates about the fairness of Kanu’s trial, with Ejimakor and others arguing that his continued detention by the DSS undermines the principle of equality of arms and raises doubts about the fairness of the legal process.
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As the legal proceedings unfold, observers continue to monitor developments closely, awaiting further actions and decisions regarding Kanu’s trial and detention.
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