The Federal High Court in Abuja delivered a verdict on Tuesday denying the bail application filed by Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Despite the rejection of bail, the trial judge, Justice Binta Nyako, granted an expedited hearing in the case.
Alloy Ejimakor, counsel for Nnamdi Kanu, had previously urged the court to grant bail to his client before the trial commenced, citing Kanu’s deteriorating health condition and expressing concerns about his continued detention by the Department of State Services (DSS), which he deemed as a threat to Kanu’s life. Ejimakor argued that Kanu’s ongoing incarceration would hinder his ability to mount a robust defense in the case.
Contrarily, the counsel representing the Federal Government, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), advocated for the dismissal of the bail application and urged the court to proceed with an expedited hearing. Awomolo highlighted the existence of medical facilities within the DSS that could adequately attend to Kanu’s health needs.
Furthermore, he pointed out that Kanu had previously breached bail conditions by absconding after being granted bail on health grounds in April 2017, following 18 months of detention. Awomolo emphasized that Kanu failed to pledge in the affidavit submitted by his lawyer that he would not abscond if granted bail.
Notably, Kanu had fled the country in September 2017 following a military raid on his residence, after being granted bail on health grounds earlier that year.
The court’s decision to deny bail to Nnamdi Kanu underscores the complexities and legal considerations involved in the case, emphasizing the importance of adhering to legal procedures and ensuring fair trial proceedings.