Hopes that the embattled leader of the proscribed secessionist group, Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu will soon regain freedom were on Wednesday dashed when a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, adjourned his case to next year.
The legal team of the Biafran agitator forced the court to shift the trial of their client till January 19 and 20 next year.
The legal team, led by Ifeanyi Ejiofor, had chosen to stay out of court in protest against the refusal of security operatives to permit a foreign lawyer into the courtroom.
Although Ejiofor and others had earlier entered the room, they left when information got to them that the foreign counsel would not be allowed into the courtroom.
Justice Binta Nyako adjourned the matter when it became obvious that the lawyers would not come back.
Meanwhile, Kanu has been returned to the custody of the Department of State Services.
With the recent development, it is clear that just as he marked his 54th birthday behind bars, Kanu will celebrate this year yuletide season in detention.
Kanu who once jumped bail, is standing trial on a seven count consolidated charge, all related to terrorism and treasonable felony.
