IPOB: Kanu To Remain In Kuje Prison As Court Denies Him Bail

THE Federal High Court yesterday denied the bail application of the leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, and ordered him to be remanded in prison custody pending the outcome of his trial.

Justice James Tsoho in his ruling held that evidence of the prosecution against Kanu bordered on national security. Kanu’s counsel, Nnoruka Udechukwu, who filed the bail application on Monday had argued that under Sections 158 and 162 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, Kanu’s offence, not being a capital offence, was bail-able.

He added that the bail was however at the discretion of the court.  He further contended that the defendants have the right to legitimate agitation, which IPOB was doing.

But the prosecution counsel, S. Labaran objected to the bail application on the grounds that the charge against the applicants are grave, borders on national security and attracts severe punishment.

He argued that in the case between the Federal Government and Asari Dokubo in the Supreme Court, it was ruled that when national security is threatened, human right and individual liberty is curtailed.

According to Justice Tsoho, the ruling of the apex court hinged on orderliness, peace and progress. The Judge also observed that evidence of broadcast of Radio Biafra, which the prosecution counsel tendered as capable of causing disaffection among the citizens, was not countered by the defense counsel.

He equally stated that Kanu’s possession of dual citizenship tightens his possibility of escaping from trial as argued by the prosecution counsel.

Consequently, the Judge ruled that Kanu be remanded in Kuje Prison. He, however, ordered an accelerated hearing of his case as he adjourned trial till February 9, 10, 11 and 12.

Kanu is standing trial for treason alongside two others and was arrested on October 14, 2015. For yesterday’s ruling, the road leading to the Federal High Court, venue of the ruling, was guarded by armed security personnel as early as 9a.m. in expectation of the accused.

Entrance into the court complex was also restricted to people who had no cogent reasons. While the security agencies kept watch, Kanu was however driven into the court room through the back door at about 10.30 am and seated among two others charged with him.

Before the commencement of the ruling, Kanu had ample time to relate with families and friends. But at exactly 11.45am, he was docked as the entrance of Justice James Tsoho was announced.