A Federal High Court in Abuja has slated March 19, 2024, to deliver its decision on the fresh bail plea filed by the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
Additionally, the court has fixed March 20 for the resumption of the trial proceedings.
The presiding judge, Justice Binta Nyanko, announced the adjournment after hearing arguments from both sides’ legal representatives.
The trial reconvened on Monday following its suspension subsequent to the Court of Appeal’s exoneration of Kanu in October 2022. The appellate court not only acquitted Kanu but also invalidated his extradition from Kenya to Nigeria, along with dismissing all terrorism charges leveled against him by the Federal Government.
However, the Federal Government contested the verdict at the Supreme Court.
In its ruling on December 15, 2023, the Supreme Court mandated the continuation of Kanu’s terrorism trial, emphasizing that no law in the country prohibits a trial based on a suspect’s rights violation.
Since his repatriation from Kenya to Nigeria in June 2021, Kanu has remained in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
During Monday’s court session, the defendant’s counsel, Alloy Ejimakor, informed the court of his client’s bail application and lodged a preliminary objection. He urged the court to grant Kanu bail on health grounds, highlighting that Kanu’s prolonged detention could impede his defense in the trial.
Further details will be provided as the case progresses.
