The Federal Government yesterday presented the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, before a Federal High Court in Abuja.
Dressed in a black tracksuit, Kanu was brought into the courtroom at about 1.30 pm by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS).
He was masked, with chains on his hands and legs.
The mask and chains were later removed, shortly before the commencement of court proceedings.
Spotting a grey goatee, Kanu looked healthy and unruffled.
At the commencement of proceedings, state counsel Shuaibu Labaran (from the Federal Ministry of Justice) recalled that Kanu had been standing trial before the court until April 25, 2017, when he was granted bail.
“The defendant did not only jump bail, he flagrantly disregarded all the conditions given by the court. He was only rearrested by security agents, who acted on intelligence,” Labaran said.
He applied ex-parte for the court’s order for Kanu’s remand in DSS’ custody.
He also prayed the court to accelerate the hearing in the case to enable the state to present its case on time.
Labaran was silent on where and how Kanu was arrested.
Justice Binta Nyako, in a ruling, ordered that Kanu be remanded in the custody of the DSS.
Justice Nyako granted an accelerated hearing and brought forward the resumption of proceedings in the case from the earlier adjourned date of October 20 to July 26 and 27.
Shortly after the judge’s ruling, Kanu sought the court’s permission to speak and was allowed.
He blamed his absence in court on the invasion of his house by security operatives, which informed why he had to go underground to avoid being killed.
Kano, who explained his absence was not deliberate, said: “My lord, my house was invaded and people were killed. I would have been killed too if I had not hidden myself.
“That was why I have been unable to attend court. I would have been killed the way others were killed when my house was invaded.”
Justice Nyako told him that his lawyer had raised the issue of the invasion of his residence in previous proceedings before the court.
The judge advised him to get in touch with his lawyer to brief him on what has happened in the case since he has been away.
After the proceedings, security agents moved Kanu out of the courtroom through a back channel, into their waiting vehicle stationed behind the court premises.
Senate Minority Leader Enyinnaya Abaribe, who stood surety for Kanu, declined comment.
He directed our correspondent to his media aide, Uchenna Awom.
Awom said: “No comment” when asked about the development.
Kanu’s lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, urged IPOB members to remain calm as he and his colleagues were on top of the matter.
He said in a statement: “We have just confirmed through a correspondence from the Federal High Court Abuja, about the arrest and the extradition of my client, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, by the Nigerian state.
“It is to be noted, therefore, that no matter the gravity of the offences or charge preferred against him, Section 36(5) of the Constitution still presumes him innocent of the allegation.
“He was brought before the Federal High Court No 2 Abuja today (yesterday) on an 11-count charge, though without our knowledge.
“As it is in the public domain, the matter has been consequently adjourned to the 26th day of July 2021, for the continuation of trial.
“The legal team ably led by my humble self will meet them in court on this date.
“We insist that he must be given a fair hearing/trial, which is his constitutionally protected right.
“His safety as also guaranteed under our law throughout the trial and afterwards and should be enforced.
“Our fortified legal team will be meeting to agree on strategies within the context of the charge and disposition of the court.
“Await further update from us as we progress. Thank you and remain blessed.”
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