The Federal High Court Abuja, has struck out eight out of the 15 count charges preferred by the federal government against the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
Justice Binta Nyako freed Nnamdi Kanu on the eight counts on Friday, while ruling on a preliminary objection filed by the IPOB leader challenging the validity of the 15-count amended charge preferred against him by the federal government.
The judge, however, acknowledged that counts one, two, three, four, five, 13, and 15 showed some allegations against the IPOB leader, saying the trial of the defendant would proceed on those counts.
On the issue of the proscription of IPOB, the judge held that the case was pending before the appeal court and as such, the order proscribing the organisation was subsisting until it was vacated.
“In this instant preliminary objection application, I have read the counts and come to the conclusion that counts 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 14 have not disclosed any offense against the Defendant.
“‘Counts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8 and 15 shows some allegations, which the Defendant has to answer.
“The court shall proceed to try the defendant on those counts,” Justice Nyako ordered.
According to her, rendition for the purpose of criminal investigation is allowed and in the instant case, there is a bench warrant on the defendant, suffice to say he is a fugitive before the court.
