Amid health concerns, the Federal High Court in Abuja today denied Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a second bail plea, and ordered an accelerated hearing on the Federal Government's seven-count treasonable felony allegation.
Despite arguments from Kanu's legal team that his health is worsening, the judge favoured a quick continuation of the trial.
Kanu's lawyers, led by Alloy Ejimakor, cited major medical conditions as a reasons for his release, including hypertension and acute heart disease.
Ejimakor emphasised that Kanu's health was put at risk by his continuous detention by the Department of State Services (DSS), and argued that bail would allow Kanu to better prepare his defence.
Kanu's legal struggles and detention history have been riddled with controversy, including an earlier bail revocation resulting from his escape from Nigeria following a military raid on his home and his re-arrest in Kenya and subsequent extradition to Nigeria in 2021 sparked legal and diplomatic difficulties.
The Supreme Court's decision on December 15, 2023, to overturn an appellate court's ruling granting Kanu's freedom complicated the matter further, allowing the Federal Government to proceed with the trial.
