Marshal D F Abubakar, Said the application was not denied. The Chief Judge directed that the application be presented before the trial judge so that whichever party is dissatisfied with the court’s ruling may exercise its legal right to appeal.
However, what we have always maintained remains unchanged. Despite the provisions of Section 305 of the ACJA 2025, Section 36(6)(b) of the Constitution clearly states that any person standing trial for a criminal offence is entitled to adequate time and facilities to prepare a defence.
“Adequate time and facilities” means that an accused person must be given sufficient time and access to the necessary resources to mount a proper defence. In our view, today’s ruling raises serious concerns and suggests an intention to deny that constitutional guarantee.
Nigeria is not a banana republic. Nigeria is a democracy. It is unacceptable for any person accused of an offence to be pressured, rushed, or forced toward a predetermined outcome.
The matter has been adjourned until tomorrow. We will consult with our legal team and take all necessary and appropriate steps available under the law.
Marshal D F Abubakar
There is no law that prevents us from filing applications or taking any lawful action we consider necessary in the defence of our rights. We will continue to pursue every legitimate legal avenue available to us.
The Nigerian people must never surrender their right to freedom in their own country. We cannot become slaves in our own land. We will never accept that, and we never will.
We also wish to inform the public that our protest will continue as planned. In fact, it has already begun.
