Tobias Sylvester
The Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed a fresh bail application filed by Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The court presided over by Justice Binta Nyako dismissed that bail application on Monday, May 20, pending the determination of the treasonable felony charge the Federal Government preferred against him.
During the trial, Justice Nyako held that Kanu’s sureties had disowned him after he fled the country, leading to forfeiture of their N100 million bail bonds.
This matter is pending before the Court of Appeal.
The court stated that since previous bail requests were denied, Kanu should pursue relief through the appellate court.
Justice Nyako also refused Kanu’s requests to be removed from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) and transferred to prison or house arrest.
She, however, ordered the DSS to allow Kanu access to his legal team, up to five persons per visit.
Justice Nyako ordered that Kanu must have a clean space to consult with his lawyers and access a doctor of his choice.
The judge warned against further similar applications, deeming them an abuse of judicial process.
“You have an option of appeal; please exercise your right of appeal,” she added.
Justice Nyako rejected the argument by defence lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor that the Supreme Court held that the earlier bail granted him ought not to have been revoked.
The judge held that she perused the said judgment of the Supreme Court, but could not locate the claim made by the defense lawyer.
angered by the judge’s pronouncement, Kanu began to shout from the dock and protested that he would not stand trial before any court in Nigeria.
According to Kanu, any attempt to put him on trial would amount to a breach of Nigeria’s Constitution and international laws.
KanyiDaily recalls that Nnamdi Kanu had objected his continued detention in DSS custody, requesting the court to reinstate his revoked bail from 2019 or to place him under house arrest.
