The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled March 19 to rule on a fresh bail application filed by Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), News About Nigeria reports.
Kanu is seeking release on bail pending the determination of the treasonable felony charge against him by the Federal Government.
Justice Binta Nyako, presiding over the case, announced the date after hearing arguments from Kanu’s lawyer, Alloy Ejimakor, and the prosecution counsel, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN.
The court will also resume the full-blown hearing of the case on March 20.
Ejimakor brought the court’s attention to Kanu’s bail application dated February 5 and a preliminary objection challenging the competence of the charges against him.
The defense counsel argued that Kanu’s heart condition, confirmed by a government-owned hospital, poses a serious threat to his life.
He also alleged that the delay in prosecution was the government’s fault, citing repeated amendments to the charges.
Ejimakor’s preliminary objection requested that the court direct the respondents to refrain from seizing documents, stopping lawyers from taking notes during visits to Kanu, and eavesdropping on conversations.
He proposed the creation of a non-custodial centre for Kanu to engage with lawyers of his choice.
In opposition, Awomolo described Kanu’s applications as an abuse of court process, arguing against allowing Kanu’s counsel to dictate proceedings.
He contended that Kanu’s rights were not violated by the Department of State Services (DSS), which has been diligent in protecting his life.
Awomolo urged the court to reject the bail request and called for an accelerated hearing.
He said that Kanu must prove authorities denied him access to quality healthcare under Section 161 of the 1999 Constitution.
The trial is a continuation of legal proceedings that began in 2015, when Kanu was first arrested.
After multiple developments, including Kanu’s escape and re-arrest, the Supreme Court, on December 15, 2023, overturned an earlier order for his release and allowed the resumption of the trial.
