On Thursday at the Federal High Court, Abuja, Justice Binta Nyako denied the Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPO), Nnamdi Kanu bail.
However, the court ordered the speedy hearing of case as requested by Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), Counsel for the FG involving Kanu who is facing charges bordering on treasonable felony.
He has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since his arrest in June 2021.
Justice Binta Nyako said the court would only grant an accelerated hearing while ordering the prosecution to call the first witness.
Aloy Ejimakor, Kanu’s counsel said he wasn’t pleased over the ruling. He disclosed that the IPOB leader’s legal team cannot go on with the proceedings if not given an opportunity to speak with their client.
Ejimakor added that it has been herculean trying to have a meeting with Kanu in the custody of the DSS, as their conversations was always monitored.
However, Kanu asked to address the court and his request was granted.
Kanu told the court that he is suffering from Cognitive Heart Disease and has not been getting the best treatment in the custody of the DSS. He asked to be moved to Kuje prison or place on house arrest but his pleas fell on deaf ears and were rejected by Justice Nyako who adjourned the case to April 17, 2024 for commencement of trial.
On April 25, 2017, he was granted bail on health conditions after spending 18 months in detention.
However, he fled the country after the military descended on his residence in September 2017.