Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor, lawyer to IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu said on Tuesday that his client is still presumed innocent.

“It is to be noted therefore, that no matter the gravity of the offences or charge preferred against him, Section 36(5) of the Constitution still presumes him innocent of the allegation,” Ejiofor stated.

He cautioned the Federal Government to give his client a fair hearing during his trial, which is his right under Nigerian law, stressing that Kanu’s safety as guaranteed under the law should be enforced.

“We insist that he must be given a fair hearing/trial which is his constitutionally protected right.

His safety as also guaranteed under our law throughout the trial and afterwards, should be enforced,” Ejiofor argued.

He said he was confident that a team of lawyers led by himself is adequately prepared for Kanu’s trial.

Ejiofor spoke in reaction to the arrest and subsequent arraignment of Kanu at the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Tuesday, through a statement titled, “IPOB Lawyer confirms arrest of Nnamdi Kanu, calls for calm”.

He said in the statement: “We have just confirmed through a correspondence from the Federal High Court Abuja, about the arrest and the extradition of my Client- Mazi Nnamdi Kanu by the Nigerian State.

“He was brought before the Federal High Court No 2 Abuja, today on an Eleven count charge, though without our knowledge.

“As it is in the public domain, the matter has been consequently adjourned to the 26th Day of July 2021, for Continuation of Trial.

“The legal team ably led by my humble self will meet them in court on this date.

“We insist that he must be given a fair hearing/trial which is his constitutionally protected right.

“His safety as also guaranteed under our law throughout the trial and afterwards, should be enforced.

“Our fortified Legal team will be meeting to agree on strategies within the context of the Charge and disposition of the Court.

“Await further update from us as we progress”.

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