Court denies Nnamdi Kanu bail, to hasten hearing

Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court Abuja denied bail to Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), in a ruling delivered today.

Kanu’s legal team was disappointed with the decision and expressed concerns about their inability to adequately represent their client.

Justice Nyako asserted that the court would focus on granting an accelerated hearing, ordering the prosecution to proceed by calling its first witness. This decision signalled a departure from the defence’s plea for bail for Kanu.

Aloy Ejimakor, counsel for Kanu, voiced his discontent with the ruling, citing difficulties accessing his client and conducting necessary consultations.

He highlighted Kanu’s legal team’s challenges in meeting with him while he remained in the Department of State Services (DSS) custody.

Ejimakor further raised concerns about the conditions of Kanu’s detention, including the alleged monitoring of their conversations and Kanu’s continued wearing of the same outfit, contrary to court orders.

Ejimakor criticised what he perceived as his client’s unfair treatment, arguing that it violated the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution.

He called for a temporary halt in the proceedings to allow Kanu’s legal team to consult with him effectively.

In response to the defence’s concerns, the court granted a stand-down of the case, enabling Kanu’s lawyers to consult with their client.

Recall that Kanu has been in the Department of State Services (DSS) custody since his arrest in June 2021.

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