The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a new bail application filed by Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Kanu sought release on bail pending the resolution of treasonable felony charges brought against him by the Federal Government.
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In her ruling, Justice Binta Nyako stated the court was not inclined to grant bail to Kanu, citing his previous bail violation.
She highlighted that Kanu’s sureties had sought to be released from their obligations after he fled the country, resulting in the forfeiture of their N100 million bail bonds.
Justice Nyako noted that this issue is currently under review by the Court of Appeal.
She pointed out that the appropriate course of action for Kanu is to appeal the decision rather than continue to seek bail from the trial court.
The court also denied Kanu’s request to be transferred to prison custody or placed under house arrest.
However, it directed the Department of State Services (DSS) to allow Kanu access to his legal team, not exceeding five lawyers per visit, and to provide a clean environment for their consultations.
The court also mandated that Kanu be allowed to see a doctor of his choice.
Justice Nyako warned that any future similar applications from Kanu’s legal team would be considered an abuse of the judicial process.
“You have an option of appeal; please exercise your right of appeal,” she stated.
Nnamdi Kanu was initially arrested in Lagos on October 14, 2015, after returning from the United Kingdom.
He was granted bail on health grounds by Justice Nyako on April 25, 2017, after spending about 18 months in detention.
Kanu was released from Kuje prison on April 28, 2017, but later fled the country following a military operation at his residence in Afara Ukwu Ibeku, Umuahia, Abia State.
Kanu was re-arrested in Kenya on June 19, 2021, and was brought back to Nigeria on June 27, 2021, through what has been described as extraordinary rendition.
He has since been held in DSS custody.
On April 8, 2022, the court dismissed eight of the 15 charges against Kanu, citing lack of substance.
The Court of Appeal in Abuja, on October 13, 2022, ordered Kanu’s release and quashed the remaining charges, citing violations of international law in his rendition from Kenya.
The Federal Government challenged this decision in the Supreme Court, which on December 15, 2023, overruled the appellate court and allowed the continuation of Kanu’s trial on the remaining seven charges.
