The trial of the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu has resumed at the Federal High Court in Abuja before Justice Binta Murtala-Nyako.
Kanu is facing trial for terrorism and treasonable felony charges filed by the Federal Government in 2021. He was extradited from Kenya in July 2021 and arraigned before the court.
However, his trial has been marred by several legal controversies and twists.
In 2021, the trial judge struck out eight out of the 15 counts after ruling on the preliminary objection filed by Kanu’s counsel challenging the legality of the charges. Kanu then appealed the decision of the trial court to uphold the remaining seven counts, arguing that they should be dismissed as well.
In a surprising turn of events, the Court of Appeal agreed with Kanu and quashed the charges on the ground that the Federal Government erred by extraordinarily renditioning him to Nigeria. The Federal Government was not satisfied with the verdict and appealed to the Supreme Court.
The Apex Court overturned the judgement of the Court of Appeal and held that the actions of the Federal Government did not render the charges or the trial nullity.
The Supreme Court ordered Kanu to return to the Federal High Court to continue his trial where the court had initially stayed proceedings.
As the trial resumed on Monday, Kanu moved a fresh application for his bail on health grounds.
His new counsel, Alloy Ejimakor, argued that Kanu was suffering from a heart condition and needed urgent medical attention.
He also claimed that Kanu’s rights had been violated by the Federal Government and that he deserved to be released on bail.
However, the Federal Government’s team led by Adegboyega Awomolo opposed the bail application and urged the court to dismiss it.
They contended that Kanu’s health condition was not serious and that the Department of State Services (DSS) had the required medical facilities to care for him.
They also accused Kanu of being a flight risk and a threat to national security. The trial judge adjourned the hearing of the bail application to March 19, 2024.
The trial of Kanu has attracted a lot of attention and reactions from various groups and individuals within and outside Nigeria.
Some of his supporters have staged protests and rallies in different parts of the country and abroad, demanding his release.
