He implored the applicant to engage a legal practitioner or approach the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria for legal representation since the law allows it.
“When I said representation, it is not his (Kanu’s) father, brother, sister or relations I meant. I mean his counsel.
“I am not going to the merit of this application now in the interest of justice.
“But you cannot represent a human being when you are not a lawyer; you can only represent a corporate body.
“Therefore, you cannot move the application because you are not a solicitor or advocate of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
“For you to be qualified as a lawyer, it will take you another six years or thereabout. So get a counsel to move the application,” the judge added.
Taking the hint of the court, Emmanuel requested for a hearing date.
Before he adjourned the motion till December 8, Justice Omotosho cautioned against what he described as attempt to mislead the public on Kanu’s case.
He observed that one of Kanu’s former legal representative, Mr. Aloy Ejimakor, who later became his consultant, insinuated that Kanu could not compile his record of appear owing to where he is currently kept.
Justice Omotosho held contrary to Ejimakor’s claim, the convict does not need to be in court for the record to be compiled.
“Let me advise generally so that you don’t delay the process.
“The issue of appeal, I must not pretend that I am not part of society.
“Mr Ejimakor granted an interview, talking about the deprivation of the defendant (Kanu) to compile his record. That is an erroneous opinion.
“The defendant may not be in court to compile a record. His attendance is not required, though the appearance of his representative may be required.
“The rights of a defendant are different from the rights of a convict,” the judge added.
