The United States and the British Government have rejected the request by the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, to observe his trial.
The IPOB leader is facing 15-count terrorism charge at the Federal High Court, Abuja Division.
The resume trial was scheduled for January 18, 19, and 20.
The US said it was limiting its staff from attending public gatherings, the UK said that it does not normally attend a court case involving a British national.
The US Embassy and the British High Commission said these in separate responses to inquiries from The PUNCH on Friday.
IPOB leader’s lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, had last Wednesday, written to the US and UK missions in Nigeria, stating that the presence of their representatives would ensure a fair hearing for his client.
But the US Mission, which disclosed that it is following the trial closely, declared that its officials would not attend the court.
“The US Mission Nigeria is following the trial of Nnamdi Kanu closely. The US Department of State is limiting employees from attending public gatherings,” it said.
Also, the British High Commission acknowledged Kanu’s status as a Briton, but stated, “The FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) would not normally attend a court case involving a British national, but where we do consider it appropriate to attend, our consular staff would do so in an observational capacity only.”
