Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja has postponed the decision on whether to grant bail to Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), until March 19. Kanu has been in the custody of the Department of State Service (DSS) since 2021, facing trial for alleged treasonable felony.
During the resumed trial, lawyers representing both parties presented arguments regarding the bail application. Counsel for the federal government, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, informed the court about a Supreme Court judgment affirming the trial on several terrorism-related charges against Kanu. He expressed the prosecution’s readiness to proceed with the trial in the national interest.
On the other hand, Kanu’s lawyer, Mr. Alloy Ejimako, highlighted his client’s serious heart condition, supported by medical confirmation from a government-owned hospital. Ejimako urged the court to grant bail to Kanu to facilitate access to medical treatment, citing the threat to his life due to continued detention.
Responding, the federal government opposed the bail application, urging the court to consider accelerated hearing instead. Awomolo argued that Kanu needed to prove the unavailability of adequate medical facilities at the DSS facility and present substantial evidence justifying bail.
Additionally, the prosecution emphasized the risk of Kanu absconding, citing his previous bail violation. However, Ejimako argued that past events should not influence the current decision, pointing to recent court judgments.
The court adjourned the decision on bail until March 19 and scheduled the trial to continue the following day, March 20. As the legal battle unfolds, the fate of Nnamdi Kanu remains uncertain, with both sides presenting compelling arguments for and against bail.
