Abuja, May 20, 2024 – The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed the latest bail application filed by Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The application sought Kanu’s release pending the determination of the treasonable felony charge brought against him by the Federal Government.
The court’s decision came as Kanu provided reasons why he believes he cannot be fairly tried in any Nigerian court. Addressing the court from the dock, Kanu denied allegations that he had previously jumped bail, asserting instead that he fled to escape an assassination attempt.
Kanu also contended that the government violated international treaties by forcefully arresting him in Kenya and extraditing him back to Nigeria to continue his trial.
In her ruling, Justice Binta Nyako stated she was not inclined to grant bail to Kanu, who she said had jumped the initial bail granted to him. Justice Nyako recalled that the sureties who had stood for Kanu had sought to withdraw from the case after his departure from the country, claiming ignorance of his whereabouts. This led the court to order the forfeiture of the N100 million each surety had deposited as bail bonds, an issue currently under review by the Court of Appeal.
Justice Nyako reiterated that Kanu’s only recourse following multiple denied bail requests is to appeal to a higher court. She also denied Kanu’s requests to be transferred to prison custody or placed under house arrest.
However, the court directed the Department of State Services (DSS) to allow Kanu access to his legal team, comprising no more than five lawyers per visit. The DSS was further ordered to ensure Kanu consults with his lawyers in a clean environment and to grant him access to a doctor of his choice.
This ruling underscores the ongoing legal and political complexities surrounding Kanu’s detention and trial, amid broader tensions over the activities of IPOB in Nigeria.