Nnamdi Kanu's Bail Application Dismissed

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Nnamdi Kanu’s Bail Application Dismissed
In a recent development, the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has dismissed the fresh bail application filed by Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Kanu’s application sought his release on bail pending the determination of the treasonable felony charge brought against him by the Federal Government. However, trial Justice Binta Nyako ordered an accelerated hearing of the government’s seven-count charge against Kanu.

Kanu’s legal team, led by Mr. Alloy Ejimakor, had argued that their client’s health was deteriorating and that he should be granted bail on “most liberal terms.” They presented evidence of Kanu’s serious health condition, including hypertension and acute heart disease, supported by medical tests conducted at a government-owned hospital. Ejimakor further claimed that Kanu’s continued detention by the Department of State Services (DSS) posed a threat to his life and hindered his ability to prepare his defense.

On the other hand, the prosecution, represented by Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, opposed the bail application, emphasizing that there was no guarantee Kanu would appear for trial if released. Awomolo argued that the security agency had diligently protected Kanu’s life and requested the court to reject the bail application, instead urging an accelerated hearing of the case.

Awomolo cited Section 161 of the 1999 Constitution, which stated that the defendant must prove that the authorities denied him access to quality healthcare at the detention center. He contended that no tangible evidence had been presented to establish exceptional circumstances warranting Kanu’s release on bail. Awomolo also reminded the court that Kanu’s previous bail had been revoked after he violated the conditions attached to it, and he expressed concerns about Kanu potentially jumping bail again.

Nnamdi Kanu, who was first arrested in 2015, has been in detention since June 2021. He was granted bail in 2017 but later fled the country after an operation by security forces at his residence resulted in the deaths of some of his followers. Kanu was subsequently re-arrested in Kenya and brought back to Nigeria. The trial court remanded him in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).

This latest development follows previous legal proceedings, including the striking out of some charges against Kanu in April 2022 and the Court of Appeal’s order for his immediate release in October 2022, which was later overturned by the Supreme Court in December 2023. Justice Nyako expressed her dissatisfaction with the delays and disruptions that have characterized the trial since 2015.

Nnamdi Kanu’s Bail Application Dismissed