Nnamdi Kanu Accuses FG's Lawyer of Terrorism After Bail Denial

 

Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), caused a stir at the federal high court in Abuja on Monday after his request for bail was denied. Detained on charges of treasonable felony, Kanu sought bail or a transfer from the Department of State Services (DSS) custody to prison, or alternatively, house arrest.

However, Judge Binta Nyako refused his bail plea, stating that the only recourse for Kanu was to appeal the decision. She did order the DSS to allow Kanu access to his lawyers, with a maximum of five people per visit, and to provide a clean environment for these consultations. Additionally, Kanu must be granted access to a doctor of his choice. Nyako warned Kanu's legal team that filing similar applications would be considered an abuse of the judicial process.

Visibly upset, Kanu accused the federal government of violating the constitution and international treaties by forcibly renditioning him to Nigeria. He argued that the court could not try him without addressing the reasons for his disappearance, stating, "The criminals came to my house to kill me!" He insisted that his trial violated Nigerian law, specifically Section 2(3)(f) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

Prosecution counsel Gboyega Awomolo attempted to intervene, leading Kanu to lash out, calling Awomolo and others involved in his trial "terrorists" for allegedly violating international treaties. Kanu exclaimed, "This man is a terrorist for conducting a trial in violation of an international treaty that Nigeria entered into... You are a terrorist! Who the hell are you? Follow what the law says."

Awomolo, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), remained calm, stating that he understood Kanu's emotional response and was not provoked by it.

Judge Nyako adjourned the case to June 19 and 20 for further proceedings.