Ifeanyi Ejiofor, the leader of Nnamdi Kanu’s legal team, has claimed that Chukwuma Machukwu-Ume (SAN), a former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Imo State, will only be joining them to challenge the Indigenous People of Biafra’s proscription (IPOB).
Recall that one of Kanu’s attorneys, Aloy Ejimakor, confirmed Machukwu-appointment Ume’s to the IPOB’s legal team on Monday evening.
However, in a statement titled “Clarification of information on Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s legal team Re: Inclusion of Chief Chukwuma Machukwu Ume (SAN),” Ejiofor stated that Mike Ozekhome is the only Senior Advocate of Nigeria defending Kanu against treason charges before Justice Binta Nyako of a Federal High Court in Abuja.
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“My attention has been drawn tonight to reports that Chief Chukwuma Machukwu Ume, SAN, has been added to the legal team defending our indefatigable client, Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, in the 15 counts amended charge filed against him at the Federal High Court in Abuja,” he stated.
This information has sparked a flurry of various criticism, so it’s only fair that I speak a few words to clarify things.
“First and foremost, I must state unequivocally that the information is false. Apart from Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), no other SAN is part of the legal team defending Onyendu in the current criminal case.
“Secondly, Chief Chukwuma Machukwu Ume (SAN), on the instruction of Onyendu, was introduced into the already existing IPOB legal team, ably headed by my good self, to prosecute the pending appeal challenging the Proscription of IPOB. The said appeal is pending at the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division. This appeal and the 15-count Amended Charge pending at the Federal High Court, Abuja, are entirely two different cases.
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“Thirdly, any instruction to engage any lawyer whatsoever to join in the legal team representing either Onyendu or IPOB in cases pending in court must come from Onyendu himself and not from any other person whatsoever. Onyendu has been particularly enthused by and appreciative of the quality of advocacy demonstrated by Chief Mike Ozekhome, (SAN), in the conduct of proceedings at the Federal High Court. He has implicit confidence in the present formidable legal team defending him. Accordingly, he has no need whatsoever to tinker with the idea or consider the possibility of engaging another senior lawyer in his defence, presently or in the foreseeable future.
“However, in the unlikely event of such future engagement, information to that effect must proceed either from my good self or from the revered and respected learned silk.
“Finally, I urge Umuchineke and the general public to take particular note of the above clarification and be properly guided. Thank you all, Umuchineke, and remain blessed.”
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