Appeal Court Affirms Decision Denying IPOB Leader Bail

Alex Enumah in Abuja

The Court of Appeal in Abuja on Wednesday affirmed the decision of the Federal High Court denying the bail application by the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

Kanu, alongside two others, Benjamin Madubgwu and James Nwawuisi, are facing a six-count treason charge preferred against them by the Federal Government at the Federal High Court, Abuja.

He had on May 5 approached the appeal court through his counsel, Chucks Muoma, challenging the decision of the Federal High Court to deny him bail and also held that the Federal Government’s witnesses should shield their identities.

Dismissing the appeal on the grounds of lacking merit, Justice Aboki, who read the judgment of a three-member panel, said it was not in doubt the 1st defendant, Kanu, has dual citizenship, stressing that Kanu’s possession of both Nigerian and British passports increased the likelihood that he could jump bail if released from detention.

The court also ruled that the charge against Kanu and his co-accused was grievous and involved a threat to the state, therefore an application for bail would not be entertained.

Aboki who affirmed the ruling of Justice Tsoho noted that the Federal High Court acted within its jurisdiction in the said ruling.

Further details later