The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed the fresh application filed by the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, seeking to be released on bail pending the determination of the treasonable felony charge against him.
Justice Binta Nyako, in her ruling, stated that she was not inclined to exercise her discretion in favor of the defendant, who she said had previously jumped bail. The court also rejected Kanu’s request to be transferred to prison custody or placed under house arrest.
Kanu, who addressed the court from the dock, denied allegations that he jumped bail, insisting that he only escaped an attempt on his life. He claimed that the government’s forceful arrest and rendition from Kenya breached international treaties and rendered the trial illegal.
The court ordered the Department of State Services (DSS) to grant Kanu access to his lawyers and a doctor of his choice. The matter was adjourned to June 19 and 20.
Kanu’s outburst in court labeled the prosecution counsel, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), a terrorist for conducting a trial in violation of international treaties. Awomolo, however, remained calm, saying he was not provoked by Kanu’s outburst.
The IPOB leader has been in detention since June 2021, and his trial has been ongoing despite his claims of illegality and breaches of international treaties.
