Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court Abuja on Tuesday denied bail to the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
The court, however, ordered accelerated hearing of the case involving the embattled IPOB leader, who is facing charges bordering on treasonable felony.
Kanu, who was brought to court on Tuesday, has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since his arrest in June 2021.
In his ruling, Justice Nyako held that the court would only grant an accelerated hearing in the matter and ordered the prosecution to call its first witness.
Counsel for the IPOB leader, Aloy Ejimakor, expressed his displeasure over the ruling. He said 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 difficult to have a meeting with Kanu in the custody of the DSS, as their conversations were always monitored and Kanu is still wearing the same outfit that the court ordered to be changed.
He alleged unfair treatment of his client, which he said contravened the Nigerian Constitution.
He expressed the dissatisfaction of Kanu’s team of lawyers and asked for a standdown of the case to enable them to consult with their client, which the court has granted.
Kanu asked to address the court, and his request was granted. He 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 placed on house arrest, but his pleas were rejected by Justice Nyako, who subsequently adjourned the case to April 17, 2024, for the commencement of trial.
