There is always light at the end of the tunnel; the all-time constant quote of Nigerians in the worst of situations seems adrift in Nnamdi Kanu’s case. Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court once again denied Nnamdi Kanu bail earlier today.
The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Maazi Nnamdi Kanu, otherwise known as Onye Ndu, appeared in court earlier today. He scheduled the adjournment of his previous court appearance for March 19, 2024.
During the resumed proceedings, the defence counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, requested fresh bail on the provisions of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution as amended, which gives room for sufficient time and resources to prepare for his defence. One of the issues raised was the state of the prison and the health condition of the IPOB leader. Mr. Awomolo, the prosecuting counsel, dismissed the plea as lacking legal basis.
Kanu, who is being prosecuted on the basis of treasonable felony and has been in the custody of the DSS (Department of State Service) since June 2021, appeared in court today. According to the presiding judge, Nyako, the court would only grant an accelerated hearing in the matter and order the prosecution to call its first witness.
The defence counsel, on his part, bitterly expressed his displeasure with the inability of private and effective communication between him and his client as well as the ill treatment meted out to him in DSS custody, irrespective of his health condition.
The judge agreed to let Kanu speak before the court. In court, Kanu disclosed that the DSS had neglected to treat his cognitive heart disease. Justice Nyako denied his requests to transfer to Kuje jail or place him on house arrest, postponing the trial to begin on April 17, 2024.
By Chidimma NWAFOR
