A Federal High Court, Abuja has ordered that the leader the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, be remanded in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), following his re-arrest and extradition to Nigeria.
It would be recalled Kanu, a separatist leader, had fled the country in September 2017 after an invasion of his home by the military in Afara-Ukwu, near Umuahia, Abia State.
Justice Binta Nyako of the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court made the order for his remand on Tuesday.
The remand order was sequel to an application by a federal government’s lead counsel, Shuaibu Labaran.
Labaran in his debate, prayed to the court to remand Kanu on the grounds that he had violated the terms and conditions of the bail granted him.
Recall that the Federal High Court, on April 17, granted Kanu bail, however, the IPOB leader had since failed to appear before the court.
Speaking futher, Labaran stated that Kanu was arrested through intelligence and collaborative efforts of security agencies. He, however failed to disclosed how amd where Kanu was arrested.
Following Labaran’s ex-parte application, Justice Binta Nyako ordered that Kanu, who was brought to court in handcuffs and hooded before the court’s sitting, be remanded in the custody of the DSS.
The judge subsequently adjourned till July 26 for the continuation of the trial.
The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and the Minister of Justice, Mr Abubakar Malami on Tuesday announced that the leader of the proscribed IPOB was arrested on Sunday.
Malami, who addressed a press conference at the Ministry of Justice, Abuja, disclosed that Kanu was arrested through the joint efforts of the intelligence and security services and has been returned to Nigeria.
In his words: “Nnamdi Kanu was arrested on 14th October 2015 on 11 count charge bordering on terrorism, treasonable felony, managing an unlawful society, publication of defamatory matter, illegal possession of firearms, improper importation of goods, among others.
“it would also be recalled that a judge at the Federal Hgh Court, Abuja on 28th March, 2019, revoked Kanu’s bail that was granted him on health ground and issued a bench warrant for his arrest on the same date, over his failure to appear in court for hearing.
“He has, upon jumping bail, been accused of engaging in subversive activities that include inciting violence through television, radio and online broadcasts against the Nigerian state and institutions.
“Kanu was also accused of instigating violence especially in south-eastern Nigeria that resulted in the loss of lives and property of civilians, military, paramilitary, police forces and destruction of civil institutions and symbols of authorities.
“Self-acclaimed leader of the proscribed secessionist Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Kanu, has been intercepted through the collaborative efforts of Nigerian intelligence and Security Services,” Malami said in a statement.
“He has been brought back to Nigeria, in order to continue facing trial after disappearing, while on bail regarding 12 count charge against him.
“Recent steps taken by the Federal Government saw to the interception of the fugitive Kanu on Sunday the 27th day of June 2021.
“Nwannekaenyi Nnamdi Ngozichukwu Okwu-Kanu, born 25th September, 1967 at Afaraukwu, Abia state Nigeria, is a holder of Nigerian Passport No A05136827, first issued 17th October, 2013, at FESTAC, Lagos,” he added.
Kanu had in recent times championed the agitations for secession and the establishment of the Biafra Nation.
The agitation gained prominence in 2017 as many youths in the South-East joined Kanu in protesting for the establishment of the Biafra Nation.
Also, IPOB formed the Eastern Security Network, its militia wing. According to Kanu, the creation of ESN is to ensure the safety of South East.
However, in September 2017, the Federal Government outlawed IPOB and declared that the activities of the group constituted an act of terrorism and illegality.
Also, the ESN has been linked to the recent reported cases of destruction of public and private institutions in the South East.
