Nnamdi Kanu’s Lead Lawyer Threatens To Dump The Case

Another day, another drama. A fresh drama played out at the continuation of trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra in court on Monday.

The drama began when the lead defence counsel, Chucks Muoma, accused his clients of judicial misconduct, and threatened to dump them and withdraw from the case.

“My lord I am the lead counsel in this matter and courtesy demands that the introduction of a new counsel should be made with my consent.

“I am a very busy counsel. I am not chasing the priest, the priest is chasing me. If this counsel had come in to be lead counsel, it will be a different case, but he is coming to take away one of my clients. Until this clarifications are made, my further appearance is forestalled.

“I cannot do the wrong thing after almost 45 years at the bar. My conscience cannot allow me to pretend.”

Kanu and two others (Benjamin Madubugwu and David Nwawuisi), accused of treason and association with an unlawful society, are currently standing trial before Justice John Tsoho of the Federal High Court, sitting in Abuja.

Responding, the new counsel, Amoebi Nzelu, representing the second defendant, explained how he became the counsel to one of Kanu's associates - Mr. Madubugwu.

He said, “Only yesterday at Kuje prison, I was called upon to represent one of the clients. The records are there. I tried to reach one of the counsels by name Ifeanyi Ejiofor, who told me this morning that he was aware of the development, since I did not have the number of the lead counsel.

“The SAN and I are from the same LGA, Orifite in Anambra State. In Orifite, he is the eldest in this profession, and followed by another person, and myself.

“I am not struggling to take your position. I cannot struggle with my elder brother. I am the third in command, in Orifite, while he is the first in command."

But he also argued that in criminal matters, the law allows a defendant to choose his counsel.

Reacting to Mr. Nzelu’s comments, Chucks Muoma said, “I m not blaming Amoebi Nzelu. I am blaming my clients, you should have informed your counsel. Let me know how your minds are working.”

After all the drama, the case was later adjourned to September 26 to 29, 2016. Biafra saga...smh!