Nnamdi Kanu awaits verdict on bail, house arrest appeals

Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), is set to discover the outcome of his fresh bail and house arrest requests on May 20th.

This development follows proceedings at the Federal High Court, Abuja, where arguments were presented by Kanu’s legal team, led by Alloy Ejimakor, and the Federal Government’s representatives, led by Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN.

During the session, Kanu’s legal team argued for the restoration of his revoked bail, initially granted by the same judge in 2017.

Kanu maintained that he did not breach the conditions of his bail but fled the country when the military allegedly raided his residence, fearing for his life. He also contested the arrest warrant issued against him in his absence.

In addition to the bail restoration, Kanu’s legal team pushed for his removal from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) to either house arrest or prison.

They emphasized the need for unhindered access to Kanu by his lawyers to prepare for his defense against terrorism charges.

However, the Federal Government’s legal team vehemently opposed Kanu’s requests, arguing that he breached his bail conditions by fleeing the country.

They deemed the fresh request for bail as an abuse of court process and advocated for Kanu to remain in DSS custody for his safety.

Outside the courtroom, House of Representatives member Hon Ikenga Ugochinyere commended Kanu’s legal team for their efforts to secure a fair trial.

He expressed concerns over Kanu’s current custody situation and urged President Bola Tinubu to consider an out-of-court settlement for the sake of national peace.

As the anticipation builds for the outcome of the proceedings, stakeholders await the decision of the court on Kanu’s bail and house arrest requests, which could have significant implications for his legal standing and the ongoing trial.