A Federal High Court in Abuja has thrown out an application by Director of Radio Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, seeking for the return of some personal effects, including his British and Nigerian passports and some money, in the custody of the Department of State Service (DSS).
Kanu through his lawyer, Chuks Muoma (SAN) had orally applied to Justice John Tsoho to have the confiscated items returned since they were not part of exhibits to be tendered by the prosecution and so were deemed not needed.
Aside the passport, Kanu also sought for the release of cash sums of $2,200 and N87,000 taken from him on October 14, 2015, when the DSS invaded the Lagos hotel where he was arrested.
However, Justice Tsoho dismissed the application as lacking in merit on the grounds that the items, though not listed as exhibits, could still be later used by the prosecution as exhibits.
Also, the judge granted the requests of the accused that his family members should be allowed into the court to observe proceedings, but subject to passing security clearance and the capacity of the court.
Justice Tsoho then proceeded to adjourn the case till February 19 for the determination of the prosecution’s application for the protection of its witnesses.
Meanwhile, a mild drama ensued in the morning, as Kanu refused to get down from the prison van that brought him into the court premises and also refused to have his handcuffs removed.
While he was later persuaded by his lead defence counsel, Muoma, to alight from the van, he vowed that he would not allow anyone remove the handcuffs, which he took into the courtroom.