Nnamdi Kanu's lawyer threatens to withdraw from case over appointment of another counsel
Tue Jun 21, 2016 11:50:am National
1.6K By Buchi Obichie
A mild drama ensued in court on Monday at the hearing of self proclaimed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, and two others- Benjamin Madubugwu and David Nwawuisi- who are standing trial on charges of treason and association with an unlawful society, before Justice John Tsoho of an Abuja Federal High Court.
Chuks Muoma, lead counsel to the accused, leveled accusations of judicial misconduct against his clients, and threatened to withdraw from the case. His anger stemmed from the fact that another counsel had been contacted to represent one of the accused.
Speaking to Justice Tsoho, Muoma said: "My lord I am the lead counsel in this matter and courtesy demands that the introduction of a new counsel should be made with my consent.
"I am a very busy counsel. I am not chasing the priest, the priest is chasing me. If this counsel had come in to be lead counsel, it will be a different case, but he is coming to take away one of my clients. Until this clarifications are made, my further appearance is forestalled.
"I cannot do the wrong thing after almost 45 years at the bar. My conscience cannot allow me to pretend."
Responding, the new counsel, Amoebi Nzelu, representing the second defendant, explained how he became counsel to Mr. Madubugwu.
He noted that he was very fond of Mr. Muoma- the lead counsel- who hailed from the same village in Anambra as himself, and would not want anything that rightfully belonged to his elder brother'.
"Only yesterday at Kuje prison, I was called upon to represent one of the clients," Mr. Nzelu said.
"The records are there. I tried to reach one of the counsels by name Ifeanyi Ejiofor, who told me this morning that he was aware of the development, since I did not have the number of the lead counsel.
"The SAN and I are from the same LGA, Orifite in Anambra State. In Orifite. He is the eldest in this profession, and followed by another person, and myself.
"I am not struggling to take your position. I cannot struggle with my elder brother. I am the third in command, in Orifite, while he is the first in command.
Nzelu went further to argue that in criminal matters, the law allows a defendant to choose his counsel.
Reacting to Mr. Nzelu's comments, Mr. Muoma said, "I m not blaming Amoebi Nzelu. I am blaming my clients, you should have informed your counsel. Let me know how your minds are working."
The lead prosecution counsel was absent in court, and the case was later adjourned to September 26 to 29.
Chuks Muoma, lead counsel to the accused, leveled accusations of judicial misconduct against his clients, and threatened to withdraw from the case. His anger stemmed from the fact that another counsel had been contacted to represent one of the accused.
Speaking to Justice Tsoho, Muoma said: "My lord I am the lead counsel in this matter and courtesy demands that the introduction of a new counsel should be made with my consent.
"I am a very busy counsel. I am not chasing the priest, the priest is chasing me. If this counsel had come in to be lead counsel, it will be a different case, but he is coming to take away one of my clients. Until this clarifications are made, my further appearance is forestalled.
"I cannot do the wrong thing after almost 45 years at the bar. My conscience cannot allow me to pretend."
Responding, the new counsel, Amoebi Nzelu, representing the second defendant, explained how he became counsel to Mr. Madubugwu.
He noted that he was very fond of Mr. Muoma- the lead counsel- who hailed from the same village in Anambra as himself, and would not want anything that rightfully belonged to his elder brother'.
"Only yesterday at Kuje prison, I was called upon to represent one of the clients," Mr. Nzelu said.
"The records are there. I tried to reach one of the counsels by name Ifeanyi Ejiofor, who told me this morning that he was aware of the development, since I did not have the number of the lead counsel.
"The SAN and I are from the same LGA, Orifite in Anambra State. In Orifite. He is the eldest in this profession, and followed by another person, and myself.
"I am not struggling to take your position. I cannot struggle with my elder brother. I am the third in command, in Orifite, while he is the first in command.
Nzelu went further to argue that in criminal matters, the law allows a defendant to choose his counsel.
Reacting to Mr. Nzelu's comments, Mr. Muoma said, "I m not blaming Amoebi Nzelu. I am blaming my clients, you should have informed your counsel. Let me know how your minds are working."
The lead prosecution counsel was absent in court, and the case was later adjourned to September 26 to 29.
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