A Nigerian court has denied Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), bail.
The court ruling, issued on March 19, 2024, by Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja, came amid ongoing accusations of treason and terrorism charges against Kanu.
Kanu’s lawyers had argued for him to be released on bail, citing health concerns and the long pre-trial detention he has endured. However, their appeal was dismissed by Justice Nyako, who stated that Kanu “still poses a flight risk” and that “guaranteeing his attendance throughout the trial is paramount.”
Meanwhile, in a move aimed at addressing concerns about a prolonged legal process, the judge ordered an expedited hearing for his case. A specific timeline for the accelerated hearing was not disclosed, but the order suggests an intention to conclude the trial within a more reasonable timeframe.
This ruling came after months of heightened public interest surrounding Kanu’s case.IPOB has demanded his release, and his detention has ignited protests across the region.
