In a significant development, the Federal High Court in Abuja has turned down the bail application of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), on Tuesday. The trial judge, Justice Binta Nyako, opted instead to expedite the trial proceedings.
The courtroom drama unfolded as Justice Binta Nyako denied the bail plea put forward by Alloy Ejimakor, counsel for Nnamdi Kanu, during the hearing. Ejimakor had fervently urged the court to grant bail to his client, citing Kanu’s deteriorating health condition and the alleged threat to his life while in detention under the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
In response, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), representing the Federal Government, vehemently opposed the bail application, arguing that Kanu’s past record of fleeing bail was a significant concern. Awomolo pointed out that Kanu had previously been granted bail on health grounds in April 2017 but absconded from the country following a military raid on his residence in September of the same year.
Awomolo further contended that the DSS possessed adequate medical facilities to attend to Kanu’s health needs, thus refuting the necessity for bail on health grounds.
While dismissing the bail application, Justice Nyako opted to prioritize an accelerated hearing of the case, ensuring swift proceedings without further delay.