Justice Binta Nyako of the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court on Tuesday ordered the remand of fugitive leader of the indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu in the custody of the department of State services (DSS).
The remand order was sequel to an application by federal government lawyer, Shuaibu Labaran.
Kanu was said to have been intercepted by joint security operatives of the government.
Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, who made the disclosure in a joint press briefing with the DSS and Police, said Kanu was arrested on Sunday June 27, 2021.
However, the briefing was silent on where he was arrested.
Ruling on the request for remand in the custody of the DSS, Justice Nyako, held that the Prosecution should inform Kanu’s lawyer of his rearrest and remand in the custody of the DSS.
The judge subsequently adjourned till July 26 for continuation of trial.
Kanu was granted bail in 2017 and subsequently jumped bail and was declared wanted by the government.
Apart from jumping his bail, the federal government is also holding Kanu responsible for various acts of violence recently in the Southeast.
▪︎Text of Press Conference on Tuesday 29th June, 2021 by the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN on the Interception of Fugitive Nnamdi Kanu back to Nigeria to face trial
Self-aclaimed leader of the proscribed secessionist Indegenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has been through the collaborative efforts of Nigerian intelligence and security services.
He has been brought back to Nigeria in order to continue facing trial after disappearing while on bail regarding 11 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 day of September, 1967 at Afaraukwu, Abia State is a holder of Nigerian Passport No. A05136827 first issued 17th October 2013 at FESTAC, Lagos.
It is recalled that 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 and improper importation of goods, among others.
A judge at the Federal High Court, Abuja 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 Nigeria and Nigerian State and institutions.
Kanu was also accused of instigating violence especially in the Southeastern Nigeria that resulted in the loss of lives and property of civilians, military, para military, police forces and destruction of civil institutions and symbols of authorities.
Abubakar Malami, SAN
Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice
29th June, 2021.
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