The leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has been returned to custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
Kanu was brought before the Federal High Court in Abuja on a seven-count charge, on Thursday morning.
The IPOB leader pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against him.
The charges border on treasonable felony and terrorism.
Count one of the charge read, “Being the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), on diverse dates in 2014 and 2015 in London, United Kingdom, did broadcast on Radio Biafra monitored in Enugu and other areas within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, preparations made by you and others now at large, for states in the South-East and South-South zones and other communities in Kogi and Benue states to secede from the federal republic of Nigeria with a view to constituting same into the Republic of Biafra and you thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 41(c) of the Criminal Code Act, CAP. C77, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.”
The head of Kanu’s legal team, Ifeanyi Ejiofor challenged the IPOB leader’s detention asking the court move him from DSS custody to Kuje prison in Abuja.
However, Binta Nyako, the presiding judge, rejected the application.
She then adjourned the matter till November 10 and the IPOB leader was whisked out of the court in a convoy of white Hilux van.
