For months His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari, President Federal Republic of Nigeria, has been shopping for a judge who would do his bidding. He has found one to his liking. Justice John Tsoho of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday refused to grant bail to the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and founder of Radio Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, and his co-accused.

The Justice’s reason:

*While rejecting the bail application of the accused persons, the judge held that they were not entitled to bail as they failed to show that they would not continue to commit the alleged crime for which they were being prosecuted.

*He also upheld the argument of the prosecuting counsel, Mr. Mohammed Diri, who had opposed the bail application on the ground that the accused were likely to interfere with and intimidate prosecuting witnesses. Justice Tsoho maintained that contrary to the argument of the defence lawyers, the charges preferred against the accused were not trumped up

Can anyone not predict what would happen when the trial begins? Can anyone not hear Mr. Kanu testifying that he would not receive justice from Justice John Tsoho?

Without any trial the justice wanted proof that the accused need to show that they will not continue to commit the alleged crime for which they are being prosecuted. In other words he has found them guilty. If the accused are guilty what is the need for trial?

The Learned Justice maintained that contrary to the argument of the defense lawyers the charges preferred against the accused were not trumped up. Neither side has presented any evidence or called any witnesses.

Is anybody ready to argue that this case has not been decided?

•Benjamin Obiajulu Aduba writes from Boston, Massachusetts, USA. Photo shows Nnamdi Kanu.

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