Inside Nnamdi Kanu's trial in Abuja
+ Kaduna-Abuja rail bombing
* The Naira/Dollar rate was calculated by averaging buying rates from several Nigerian FinTech startups.
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Nnamdi Kanu’s trial resumes
As early as 4 am on Thursday, security operatives were swarming around the Federal High Court in Abuja and blocking nearby access routes, including Shehu Shagari Way, which leads to Transcorp Hilton Hotel. It was clear that the Department of State Services had the intention of bringing Nnamdi Kanu to court.
And they did. Around 9:45 am, Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, a group seeking the breakaway of a sizeable chunk of Southern Nigeria, appeared in court dressed in a white shirt and matching trousers and shoes.
But the horde of journalists and lawyers who had arrived at the court were denied entry by security operatives acting on “orders from above”. Some were even harassed and beaten up. “This is despicable,” Raphulu Nduka, a spokesman for the Nigerian Bar Association, said. “The court is a public place and in fact a lawyer’s main place of business.”
Meanwhile, Kanu’s lawyers were allowed entry into the court with him and he later pleaded ‘not guilty’ to all seven charges brought against him by the federal government. Justice Binta Nyako refused his application for transfer to Kuje Correctional Centre from the DSS facility where he is being held, but granted three persons of his choice visitation rights.
The judge then adjourned the trial to November 10, when Kanu’s petition to dismiss the federal government’s charges will be heard.
What else is happening?
Terrorism: A section of the Abuja-Kaduna rail-line has been bombed, forcing the Nigeria Railway Corporation to suspend train services on the route. The explosion rocked a passenger train, damaging its fuel tank and forcing it to stop. But there were no casualties or injuries, the NRC said. The perpetrators are said to be loyal to the Islamic State West Africa (ISWAP) and Ansaru terror groups.
Kebbi State: After about four months in captivity, a total of 27 students and three teachers who were abducted from the Federal Government College in Birnin Yauri have regained their freedom. It is not clear whether a ransom was paid.
FIRS: The federal tax agency is considering introducing a road infrastructure tax to make the informal sector - comprising commercial bus drivers, dressmakers, hairdressers - to “contribute to building a modern society.”
Revenue allocation: North-Central Governors have asked the federal government to consider ceding more revenues to state and local government control.
NDLEA: The drug law enforcement agency is seeking life sentences for anyone caught indulging in illegal drug activities.
2023 Presidency: Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, have indicated an interest in running for the Presidency in 2023, according to Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde.
#EndSARS: Lagos Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has pledged to make public the state’s judicial panel report on police brutality.
And that’s it for this week. Let’s do this again next week.