Nnamdi Kanu is a freedom fighter, not a terrorist or coup plotter - Lawyer

A lawyer to the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu has said that his client is a freedom fighter and not a terrorist or criminal.

Speaking at the hearing before Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja, Ifeanyi Ejiofor said: "Nnamdi Kanu is a freedom fighter not a terrorist; unlike other coup plotters who take over power from the leadership in this country through violence, Kanu is a freedom fighter."

"The offence for which Nnamdi Kanu is being tried is less than the 1983 coup d'etat which led to the enthronement of President Buhari as military head of state," Ejiofor said.

Ejiofor told the court that the charges against Kanu lack ingredients of treasonable felony as alleged by the Department of State Services.

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"There is no ingredients of treasonable felony found in the proof of evidence before this court," Ejiofor said.

Also speaking, counsel to the second defendant Barrister Adoga accused the Nigerian government of making illegal arrest of IPOB members.

Adoga said: "We can't keep arresting anyone that chants 'Biafra' ."

"My client was arrested because of his intention only, and the Administration of Criminal Justice Act not for intention but for over act," Adoga noted.

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The charge against the accused person just came in this year and the amendment is just for the mere antics.

"The courts are set up for Justice and not for antics or window dressing; this particular defendant ought not to have been brought here," he added.

He also said there is no material evidence against his client.

Earlier, the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, January 12, made an alternative arrangement for family members and relatives of the leader of Indigenous People Of Biafra Nnamdi Kanu.