There are fears that Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous
People of Biafra, IPOB, may be treated like Ibraheem El-Zakzaky, leader of the
Ismalic Movement in Nigeria, IMN.
El-Zakzaky was arrested in December 2015 after his followers
attacked the convoy of former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd)
in Zaria, Kaduna State.
Following that attack, the Nigerian Army had accused members
of IMN of attempting to assassinate the ex-COAS.
Against this backdrop, El-Zakzaky alongside hundreds of his followers were arrested after security forces stormed the group’s headquarters and killed about 350 people.
Since his arrest, the IMN leader has not been released
despite rulings by several courts.
In December 2016, Justice Gabriel Kolawole-led Federal High
Court, Abuja had granted El-Zakzaky and his wife, Zeenatudeen bail.
Justice Kolawole also fined the Federal Government N50
million for the incarceration of the duo.
In 2019, The Kaduna State High Court granted El-Zakzaky and
his wife bail on health grounds.
The couple were expected to visit the Mandeta Hospital in
New Delhi, India for treatment, but it never happened.
Despite the many bails granted to the IMN leader, he is yet
to be released by the relevant authorities.
This fate, some residents of Abuja fear may befall Kanu,
following his rearrest.
Kanu was first arrested in December 2015 and was charged
with treasonable felony amongst others.
In 2017, Justice Binta Nyako of an Abuja Federal High Court
had granted Kanu bail. After effecting his bail, the IPOB leader had fled
Nigeria.
He was, however, rearrested on Sunday and repatriated to
Nigeria to continue his trial.
Upon resumption of the case on Tuesday, Justice Nyako
remanded Kanu in the custody of the Department of State Services, DSS, while
adjourning the case till July.
However, some Abuja residents noted that Kanu may suffer the
same fate as El-Zakzaky because he fled the country to London.
Speaking with DAILY POST, they said the decision to order
his followers to attack government facilities and security operatives means he
may be locked up for a very long time.
A lawyer, Enoch Onu said, “The matter is before the court so
I would not like to sound preemptive but it is not looking good for Kanu. When
a court grants you bail and you decide to jump bail, you may never get another.
Even his lawyers know that.
“What I think his lawyers can do now is to pray the court to
grant an accelerated hearing. Just like El-Zkzaky, He may remain in custody for
a very long time.”
Mr Ebuka Tobichukwu, a teacher with Temple Academy in Lugbe
said: “Nnamdi Kanu should just forget regaining his freedom. He was granted
bail then he ran to London or Israel and starting trying to destroy Nigeria. He
should forget about freedom. Trust Nigerian government, they will surely deal
with him, see what they are doing to el-Zakzaky; since 2015 he has not tasted
freedom, Nigerians should expect same for Kanu.”
A rights activist, Sunday Garba noted: “Kanu’s right should
be respected and a fair trial should be carried out; that is the right thing to
do. But the question is, will this government be fair? Considering the fact
Kanu was seen as a threat to Nigeria’s unity. However, Kanu is innocent until
proven guilty by the court.”
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