Nnamdi Kanu, IPOB leader, upset by judge’s refusal to grant him bail, accuses FG, counsel of terrorism

Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has criticised the decision of Justice Binta Nyako not to grant him bail, describing his trial as acts of terrorism.

In a fresh application, Kanu had also asked the court to not only grant him bail but to also transfer him from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) to prison or be placed under house arrest, alternatively.

However, Justice Nyako turned down all his requests and advised him instead to go in appeal.

 

 

But the judge ordered the DSS to always grant Kanu access to his lawyers, not exceeding five people on every visiting day as well as to his doctors.

She adjourned the matter to June 19 and 20 for continuation.

Peeved by the decision, accused the Federal Government of terrorism for violating the constitution and other international treaties following his forceful repatriation from Kenya to Nigeria.

Speaking from the dock, he said: “My lord, you said in your earlier ruling that you will not grant me bail until you make a determination about the reason for my disappearance. But you have not done so.

 

 

 

“At this stage, I am of the opinion that you can’t try me without first looking into that. The criminals came to my house to kill me!

 

“I don’t understand why my trial must be conducted contrary to the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This is the law of Nigeria as of today.

 

“This court is in violation of the laws of Nigeria. Section 2(3)(f) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, is very clear.”

When Gboyega Awomolo, SAN, the prosecution counsel, asked Kanu’s legal team to call him to order, the IPOB leader raiked at him, calling him a terrorist.

“This man is a terrorist for conducting a trial in violation of an international treaty that Nigeria entered into. Once a treaty is entered into and signed, it becomes a law,” he blurted.

“They are all terrorists! No court can try me in Nigeria. Anything done in violation of any treaty entered into by Nigeria is an act of terrorism.

“This man here is a terrorist as at today. He is a dishonest man! You are a terrorist! Who the hell are you? Follow what the law says.

 

 

“I have been in detention for over three years. You are the Chairman of the Body of Benchers and you are violating the laws of this country.”

However, the senior counsel said he was not offended by Kanu’s outburst.

 

 

“I am not a terrorist and I am not provoked by the action of the defendant. It is understandable. He is only being emotional,” Awomolo said.